Leicester City have completed their third signing of the summer, adding defender Callum Doyle on loan from Manchester City. The 19-year-old spent last season on loan at Coventry City in the Championship, where he helped the Sky Blues to a 5th-place finish and a spot in the promotion playoffs.
I know we have been…less than enthusiastic about some of the business we have done this summer, but that’s not the case here. The absolute worst thing we can say about this signing is that it’s just a loan and there is apparently no option to buy. Doyle not only excels at all aspects of his defensive duties, he’s outstanding when it comes to getting the ball out of defence. In spite of being only a little taller than 6’, he’s good in the air and is a set-piece threat (at least when he’s on the receiving end).
The addition of Doyle gives City formidable depth at the back. This could be evidence that manager Enzo Maresca will employ a system using three at the back. The gaffer currently has Conor Coady, Wout Faes, Harry Souttar, Jannik Vestergaard, and, of course, Doyle at his disposal. This is bad news for youth star Ben Nelson’s hopes for playing a significant role in the first team, but things a departure or two wouldn’t be a huge surprise.
