Tommy Doyle Leaves Manchester City On Season-Long Loan

The 2021/22 season perhaps proved to be the biggest learning curve in Tommy Doyle’s relatively short career so far.

After heading out on loan to Hamburg last term, it seemed as if the Manchester City academy graduate would thrive upon being handed regular first-team minutes.

However, there was a stark difference between expectations and reality, as the gifted midfielder received just 73 minutes under his belt across 18 Bundesliga 2 matches.

With his German expedition ultimately ending in disaster, Tommy Doyle returned to familiar surroundings, by joining Cardiff City on loan for the remainder of the season.

The decision paid off significantly, as the 20-year old proved to be a smash hit for the Championship side.

As the 2022/23 season fast approaches, questions remained as to what the Englishman’s plans would be for the upcoming campaign.

Currently, it isn’t a stretch to suggest that no team in Europe has a better collection of midfielders than Manchester City.

With Doyle facing competition from some of the best players in their position such Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva, it would be next to impossible for the youngster to displace either of the trio in the short-term.

Furthermore, increased competition from Kalvin Phillips will have done the player no favours, with the Leeds United star confirmed to have joined the Premier League champions on Monday.

As such, it has now been confirmed that Sheffield United have completed the signing of Tommy Doyle on a season-long loan, after Pep Guardiola was open to letting the talent go for the forthcoming campaign.

It is important to note that Sheffield United have no option to buy in the deal for Doyle, as reported by the Manchester Evening News.

Manager Paul Heckingbottom and his coaching staff identified the England U-21 international amongst several other young prospects plying their trades in the Premier League.

With the Blades averaging the fourth-highest possession out of any side in the Championship last season, it is no surprise that they have prioritised the signing of Tommy Doyle - a player who obviously learnt his trade playing for the most ball-dominant team in the world in Manchester City.

Speaking upon making the move to Bramall Lane, Doyle said, "I'm excited to be here, I'm ready and looking forward to starting the season."

"I got the phone call that Sheffield United was interested and it is hard to say no to a club like this. I'm looking forward to meeting everyone, I know one or two already, but I'm focussed on getting down to work and preparing for the new season."

He continued, "I played for Cardiff at Bramall Lane last season and it wasn't easy. It was a tough day that I remember well, the fans and stadium were brilliant and I'm looking forward to playing there again."

Ultimately, the Sky Blues’ primary intention regarding the midfield prodigy is that he continues to get regular playing time under his belt, after tasting success at Cardiff City last term.

Considering Tommy Doyle has already proven his class in the Championship, this additional loan stint in such a hotly-contested division once again for Sheffield United could do wonders for his progression.