Wolves are facing a big January transfer window, and in recent days there has been some talk of a return for Tommy Doyle.
Wolves let Doyle leave the club on loan in the summer to join Birmingham City in the Championship.
The decision came after Tommy Doyle really struggled for minutes last season under Vitor Pereira, who even left him out of multiple matchday squads towards the end of the campaign.
It was disappointing for Doyle, who had impressed when called upon during his first season on loan at the club.
So Doyle headed out, and there was real delight at Birmingham over the signing, with the star having already played a lot of games in the Championship previously.
Doyle got off to a slow start but in recent weeks he has gained prominence.
Birmingham fans lavished praise on Doyle before the international break following his display against Millwall.
This week, there have been claims that new Wolves manager Rob Edwards could return to Wolves in January – but earlier suggestions suggest these claims are wide of the mark.
Wolves reportedly have no recall option on Tommy Doyle
Doyle needs regular game time following his frustrating season in 2024/25.
Doyle is now getting these regular minutes – and that is likely to remain the case.
It was reported after the summer transfer deadline by E&S journalist Liam Keen that Wolves do not have recall options on either Doyle or Boubacar Traore.
So Edwards will need his superiors to look elsewhere for new recruits.
At the moment, Wolves have no more slots for non-homegrown players so would have to sanction an exit.
If Edwards desperately wanted for Doyle to return, then Wolves would have to reach an agreement with Birmingham for the termination of the loan.
This would cost the club and given Doyle is now a regular for Blues, it’s likely not something they’d be too receptive to, especially as they’re pushing for promotion.
Birmingham can also sign Doyle permanently if they get promoted
Not only do Birmingham stand to keep Doyle for the whole season, they also could buy Doyle as their own player next year.
It was reported that Birmingham have a clause that will allow them to buy Doyle for £10 million if they’re promoted to the Premier League.
At the moment, Birmingham are going well and sit 11th on 21 points.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 6 |  MillwallMillwall | 15 | 7 | 4 | 4 | 17 | 20 | -3 | 25 |
| 7 |  IpswichIpswich | 14 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 26 | 16 | 10 | 23 |
| 8 |  Bristol CityBristol City | 15 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 22 | 18 | 4 | 23 |
| 9 |  CharltonCharlton | 15 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 16 | 12 | 4 | 23 |
| 10 |  DerbyDerby | 15 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 20 | 19 | 1 | 23 |
| 11 |  BirminghamBirmingham | 15 | 6 | 3 | 6 | 20 | 17 | 3 | 21 |
| 12 |  LeicesterLeicester | 15 | 5 | 6 | 4 | 18 | 16 | 2 | 21 |
| 13 |  WrexhamWrexham | 15 | 5 | 6 | 4 | 20 | 19 | 1 | 21 |
| 14 |  West BromWest Brom | 15 | 6 | 3 | 6 | 14 | 16 | -2 | 21 |
| 15 |  WatfordWatford | 15 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 19 | 18 | 1 | 20 |
They are just four points off the play-off places, and eight off second.
Birmingham have ambitions of getting back into the top-flight and with Doyle starting to really shine, they are surely not going to be entertaining talks with Wolves to terminate the midfielder’s loan.
So if Edwards does want to bring Doyle back, then he more than likely won’t get his wish.