Manchester City midfielder Tommy Doyle will spend the second half of the season on loan in the Championship at Cardiff City.
Doyle, 20, spent the first half of the campaign in Germany at Hamburg, but was limited to just seven appearances totalling just 150 minutes. Of those games, only one was a start which came in the cup, and four were late cameos of under five minutes.
The popular midfielder, who has seven senior appearances for City, asked to leave Hamburg due to a lack of playing time ahead of their winter break, and has now secured a return to the English league where he will join Cardiff.
Speaking earlier this month, Hamburg sports director Michael Mutzel told their website. "We had a conversation with Tommy before the winter break in which he told us that he wanted more playing time and that was also the reason for the loan,"
"This playing time was limited, so he asked to be able to end the loan. We agreed to that for the time being."
Last week, Cardiff boss Steve Morison had spoken of his hopes of signing Doyle, and said upon getting the deal over the line: “He’s someone we earmarked and somebody we believe can really help us, so we’re really pleased to get it over the line.
“I’ve had really good reports. He has captained at every youth level with England and did the same with Manchester City. He comes from a family of football legends as well. We’ve been entrusted by Man City to take one of their players and get him some experience. It works well for both parties.
“He’s an excellent player and one I think the fans will really enjoy watching.”
Doyle added: “I’m very happy. The lads have been brilliant and welcomed me into the group.
“It is an exciting move and it is good for my development. I’m looking forward to the challenges ahead. Hopefully we can jump up the table. I’ve heard a lot about the fans and I’m excited to play in front of them.
“I’m here to learn, help the team, and to add goals and assists too.”
Doyle follows academy teammate Taylor Harwood-Bellis in changing loan clubs this month after the defender swapped Anderlecht for Stoke last week. Harwood-Bellis impressed on his debut for the Potters over the weekend, keeping a clean sheet against Hull.
