Callum Doyle’s Norwich Stay in Doubt as Club Eyes Defensive Alternatives
A permanent switch to Norwich City appears unlikely for Callum Doyle, with his price tag expected to be a major stumbling block for Johannes Hoff Thorup and the Canaries.
The Manchester City loanee has been a consistent performer during his fourth loan spell away from the Etihad, establishing himself as a key figure in Norwich’s backline. As a naturally left-footed centre-half, Doyle is a highly sought-after profile at Championship level, but Thorup admits a long-term deal may be out of reach.
“There’s a price tag involved that’s probably a bit too high for us,” Thorup told Pink Un. “I hope his next move takes him to a club where he can stay for two, three or four years. Constantly switching teams isn’t ideal for a young player. He’s tried to be smart in choosing clubs with similar playing styles, but even so, continuity is important.”
When asked about Norwich’s chances of keeping Doyle, the head coach added: “If the price was something we could realistically afford, I’d love for that next club to be us.”
With Thorup all but ruling out a permanent move, Norwich are now expected to target a new centre-back in the summer.
Two Potential Replacements for Callum Doyle
Ayden Heaven (Loan Option)
Ayden Heaven could be a prime candidate to fill the void left by Doyle on loan. The 18-year-old switched from Arsenal to Manchester United in January and has already broken into the first-team setup at Old Trafford, making four appearances. Despite a recent injury, his maturity and strong performances suggest he’s ready for regular senior football.
Heaven, a left-footed centre-back who began his development as a midfielder, possesses excellent passing ability—a key trait for defenders in Thorup’s system. His tackling stats are also eye-catching, having won 100% of his Premier League tackles so far, while also averaging 2.81 successful tackles per game and excelling in aerial and ground duels.
His defensive grit and comfort on the ball could provide more solidity than Doyle offered, and if Manchester United are open to a loan next season, Heaven would be an excellent fit at Carrow Road.
Ethan Pye (Permanent Option)
For a more long-term solution, Ethan Pye of Stockport County stands out. The 22-year-old has enjoyed a breakout season in League One, helping guide the Hatters through a successful campaign following promotion from League Two.
Like Doyle, Pye is a left-footed centre-back and has showcased a high level of composure with the ball, ranking among the top four percent of central defenders for successful passes. He’s also strong across key defensive metrics, including interceptions, recoveries, and duel success.
Though Stockport may end up in the same division as Norwich next season, Pye could view a move to Carrow Road as a step up and a chance to progress toward the Premier League. With a new contract signed last summer, he won’t come cheap—but with financial backing from majority owner Mark Attanasio, Norwich could realistically make the deal happen.
At just 22, Pye would offer both an immediate solution and a long-term investment, making him an ideal replacement should Doyle return to Manchester City.
