diff --git a/project.py b/project.py
index 27ea748f2..dda013310 100644
--- a/project.py
+++ b/project.py
@@ -1694,6 +1694,8 @@ def _dosubmodules():
                             project=self.name,
                         )
                     )
+                    return
+                syncbuf.later1(self, _doff, not verbose)
                 return
             elif pub == head:
                 # All published commits are merged, and thus we are a