As Manchester United’s busy transfer window comes to a close, Toby Collyer leaves the club on a season-long loan to help develop for his return to first-team football in Manchester next year.
Toby Collyer made his debut under Erik ten Hag in 2024, after signing from Brighton’s academy in 2022, and impressed United fans as he began to put together a string of performances.
Collyer was an imposing presence in the United academy and was a favoured option in the midfield for Travis Binnion’s under-21s, ten Hag promoted him to the first team based on his hard work and merit.
As the Reds prepare for the first match of the 2025/26 Premier League season against Arsenal this Sunday, Collyer will join West Brom in their Championship campaign.
United will be looking for great strides in his development as he focuses on a testing season in the Championship, with the Baggies sporting director, Andrew Nestor, expressing his favour of Collyer.
Nestor “rates Collyer highly”
West Brom, who started their Championship campaign with a 1-0 win over Blackburn last weekend, strengthened their strong side with the Red’s academy prospect.
Nestor was thrilled to see the signing of Collyer completed, commenting on the 21-year-old in an interview: “Toby is a dynamic midfielder who we rate highly”.
Collyer’s tenacity and versatility are his biggest strengths and will likely suit volatile Championship football, with West Brom targeting a return to the Premier League next season.
“[We] believe that his strengths will complement our already strong midfield options”, Nestor also commented.
Collyer will rival Alex Mowatt and Jayson Mulumby for a place in the West Brom midfield pairing, providing him with necessary competition to further his development.
Collyer in contention upon Old Trafford return
Fans have been speculating on the long-term future of Collyer this summer transfer window, as the club targets a defensive midfielder as a priority.
Collyer, although seen as a future first-team prospect, is too raw for Premier League football at this current moment.
This loan will help him develop, gaining crucial senior football experience, which will help his case for his future career at United.
The United faithful will wish him well during his time in Birmingham and will anticipate a return to the first team for 2026.
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