Manchester United midfielder Toby Collyer is in discussions with West Bromwich Albion over a permanent return to The Hawthorns. The 22-year-old spent the first half of last season on loan with the Championship club before injury and a subsequent stint at Hull City altered his development path.
The 22-year-old midfielder spent the opening months of the 2025/26 campaign on loan at The Hawthorns before physical setbacks redirected his career path.
Previous Loan Stints at West Brom and Hull City
Collyer initially joined the Baggies on what was intended to be a season-long loan almost a year ago to the day. During that initial spell, he made 12 appearances across all competitions, including three starts, before sustaining a calf injury against Birmingham City in November.
Manchester United recalled the defensive midfielder on January 1, subsequently sending him out on loan to EFL Championship rivals Hull City for the remainder of the campaign. However, physical problems persisted as his struggles followed him to Humberside, restricting him to just five outings as the Tigers earned promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs.
Contract Status and Manchester United’s Stance
Collyer enters the final year of his contract at Old Trafford, giving the club a clear window to evaluate a permanent sale as Manchester United weigh up their options.
Despite featuring under Michael Carrick during pre-season—including an appearance in the second half of a draw against Leeds United at Croke Park—it had been anticipated throughout the summer that Collyer would depart Old Trafford. United officials informed the player earlier in the window that he is free to leave in search of regular first-team minutes.
West Brom’s Youth-Focused Recruitment Strategy
A permanent return to West Brom aligns with the recruitment direction under James Morrison, which increasingly prioritizes younger players with development potential and resale value over short-term veterans. The club’s summer activity has brought in prospects such as midfielder Rabby Nzingoula from Strasbourg, right-back Nolan Galves from Rodez, alongside Jimmy-Jay Morgan and Barney Stewart.
Bringing Collyer back permanently offers the Baggies a player familiar with the club’s environment who fits the physical, high-tempo profile required in Morrison’s midfield. The move would also provide a long-term succession option following the departure of Alex Mowatt to Derby County.
Precedent and Future Midfield Landscape
Collyer’s potential departure highlights the delicate balance homegrown prospects face when graduating from academy football without securing an undisputed spot in the senior eleven. Bruno Fernandes previously praised the youngster’s temperament and technical ability during a 2025 interview with MUTV.
“Toby is a great kid, he’s a great example of a professional… He’s a really good kid who wants to learn. He’s eager to learn, he’s eager to listen. He has big, big qualities – he’s aggressive off the ball, he’s aggressive running with the ball, he’s class in tight spaces. This is just the first few games that he’s getting in, he’s just going to get better.”
Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United captain, via Givemesport
With the transfer window reaching its closing stages and the Premier League campaign underway, talks between Manchester United and West Brom remain focused on wrapping up a permanent agreement rather than another temporary arrangement.
