Wrexham AFC, under the stewardship of Hollywood duo Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, could be poised to make headlines once again—this time for a significant summer signing. Reports emerging from various sources, including the Express and Star, suggest that Wrexham are considering a move to secure the services of Premier League midfielder Tommy Doyle, a player once praised as “special” by Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.
Doyle, aged 23, has struggled to establish a regular starting berth at Wolverhampton Wanderers last season, making only a dozen appearances in the Premier League following the arrival of Wolves’ new manager Vitor Pereira in December. The uncertainty surrounding his future at Molineux has sparked speculation, with Wrexham joining Championship outfits Birmingham City and Sunderland in expressing interest. Wolves are reportedly open to sending the midfielder out on loan in the coming campaign, in the hope of securing more game time for the young talent.
A product of Manchester City’s esteemed academy, Doyle boasts a footballing legacy. He is the grandson of City legends Glyn Pardoe and Mike Doyle, and has carried the family torch with pride. His abilities were thrust into the limelight in 2021, when he came off the bench during an FA Cup victory over Swansea. On that occasion, Pep Guardiola did not mince words, describing him as a player with “special quality,” capable both of dictating play and having an eye for goal.
Doyle’s pedigree has been further reinforced by admiration from fellow professionals. City defender Kyle Walker publicly highlighted not only his on-field talent but also his grounded attitude, noting his desire to learn and develop—an attribute that often distinguishes future stalwarts from those who merely pass through the ranks.
During his time with Wolves, Doyle has chalked up 50 Premier League appearances, 24 of which came last season. His history of Championship success is also noteworthy; a loan spell at Sheffield United culminated in promotion to the Premier League, adding a significant achievement to his blossoming career. For Wrexham, a club with momentum after securing their first promotion to the Championship in 43 years, the addition of a player with such experience could represent a major coup.
A summer of ambitious recruitment is already underway at the Racecourse Ground. Following the arrival of striker Ryan Hardie from Plymouth Argyle, Wrexham also secured the signing of Wales international goalkeeper Danny Ward. These moves underline the club’s intent to compete robustly in the Championship, with manager Phil Parkinson clearly eyeing reinforcements capable of adapting quickly to the demands of a higher league.
The question hanging over Doyle’s future at Wolves relates largely to managerial preference. Pereira raised concerns earlier this year about Doyle’s ability to thrive in a side oriented towards counter-attacking football. Speaking candidly, Pereira praised the midfielder’s technical prowess but questioned his physical suitability for the relentless running that characterises Premier League encounters outside of dominant-possession teams.
Should Wrexham press ahead and secure Doyle’s signature, they would be gaining a versatile and technically gifted midfielder. While physical demands may be a point of debate at the very top level, the Championship offers both a stern test and a potential platform for Doyle to showcase his undoubted ability and regain confidence through regular first-team football.
The broader story for Wrexham, however, continues to be one of meteoric rise and global appeal, aided in no small part by the success of the Disney+ documentary “Welcome to Wrexham”. With increased attention and growing supporter numbers, not only in North Wales but internationally, the club’s moves in the transfer market are now watched with keen interest by fans and football observers alike.
As discussions unfold over Doyle’s future, Wrexham supporters will be hopeful that another high-profile acquisition further cements the ambition and upward trajectory they have come to expect in the Reynolds-McElhenney era. For Doyle, a switch to the Racecourse Ground could provide exactly the kind of platform required to relaunch a career that has already shown glimpses of real promise.