Winners and losers from a Tommy Doyle transfer to Sunderland include Dan Neil

Add as preferred source on Google

Excitement is building ahead of Sunderland’s return to the Premier League, and such anticipation is reflected in their transfer rumours.

The Black Cats can now attract Premier League-level talent to the Stadium of Light, with Sunderland showing an interest in Tommy Doyle from Wolves.

Doyle only started three times in the league last term, seeing his involvement restricted under Vitor Pereira, with other clubs showing intrigue in his signature.

Wrexham and Sheffield United have joined the race for Doyle, whose vision and passing as a deep-lying playmaker could be a crucial addition to Regis Le Bris’ squad.

EFL Analysis has now looked at how a switch to the North East could impact certain players in the Sunderland squad.

• READ MORE: Anthony Patterson reveals why Sunderland can stay in the Premier League, he’s ‘never seen a group like it’

Winners from Tommy Doyle’s potential Sunderland transfer

Regis Le Bris

In his first campaign in charge, Le Bris led Sunderland to the Premier League with the youngest squad in the Championship.

The Frenchman proved he can work wonders with a young team, and at the age of 23, Doyle fits right into the dressing room culture.

Le Bris will welcome a Premier League-level talent like Doyle into the squad as he would vastly improve their central midfield position, especially with Jobe Bellingham joining Borussia Dortmund.

Eliezer Mayenda

Eliezer Mayenda’s raw pace and power can scare the life out of most defences, and he will want to translate that fear into the Premier League.

Mayenda’s goal in the play-off final was symbolic of everything he’s about; bursting forward at speed and not being afraid to shoot at goal, even on his weaker right foot.

With less chances to score in the top-flight due to the increase in quality, the 20-year-old will be pleased to have the passing attributes of Doyle feeding the ball into him.

Wilson Isidor

Last season, Wilson Isidor was Sunderland’s main man in attack with 12 goals to his name in 43 Championship appearances.

Now, the question being asked is whether he can continue being a regular source of goals in the Premier League.

Similarly to Mayenda, Isidor will be happy if Doyle signs, as it’s someone with a quality right foot capable of feeding him the ball.

• READ MORE: When Michael Carrick future will be decided as ex-Premier League boss tops Middlesbrough shortlist

Losers from Tommy Doyle’s potential Sunderland transfer

Dan Neil

Doyle’s preferred position is just sitting in front of the defence with the licence to spray accurate balls from deep.

That is a role currently being occupied by Dan Neil, but with a potential transfer of Doyle, the Sunderland academy graduate could find minutes difficult to come by in the top-flight.

Sunderland fans already criticised Neil on occasions last season, and some will question whether he has what it takes to flourish at a higher level. On the other hand, the Wolves playmaker has demonstrated his class against superior opposition, and would therefore put Neil’s position in the team under threat.

Milan Aleksic

Milan Aleksic spent most of the 2024/25 campaign warming the bench, and ahead of their Premier League return, it’s difficult to see how he features.

The 19-year-old only played 288 minutes in the Championship across eight appearances, with the central midfielder failing to show class.

Although he still has plenty of time to develop, the Serbian under-21 star could see his minutes restricted even more with the arrival of Doyle, and a loan away from the Stadium of Light is perhaps most beneficial.