Toby Collyer has sealed a permanent exit from Manchester United to join West Bromwich Albion in the Championship.
Collyer leaves
Collyer’s future had been the subject of intense speculation throughout the summer, amidst reports that United had informed him he was free to find a new club.
He started last season at West Brom but injuries prevented him from finding any real consistency. A January move to Hull followed, though the pattern repeated itself as fitness problems again curtailed his momentum.
United’s acquisitions of Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba made it almost inevitable that Collyer would struggle to command a consistent role in the first team. West Brom opened talks over a permanent transfer for the player, although there were indications that Hull were also interested in a reunion.
But the Baggies eventually surged ahead in the race for his signature and have now confirmed his arrival.
West Brom say that Collyer has put pen to paper on a four-year deal.
Collyer’s reaction
The 22-year-old told WBA TV, “To be honest, this move has been going on for the last month or so. My agent has been working really hard to get the deal done. I got the go-ahead over the last 24 hours and I travelled up to the hotel to meet all the lads on Friday evening.”
Guess who's back? 😎
We're delighted to announce the permanent signing of Toby Collyer from @ManUtd for an undisclosed fee. ✍️
Welcome back to the Albion, Toby! 🫡 pic.twitter.com/XpvoZ9QDwX
— West Bromwich Albion (@WBA) August 30, 2026
“There were a few reasons why I was so keen to return. The size of the club is one of them. I also really enjoyed my time here on loan in the first half of last season. Another reason was the manager, James Morrison.”
“He was really keen to have me back and that’s all you want in football – a manager who wants you and wants to see you do well.”
Collyer added, “As I say, I really enjoyed every second of my loan spell here last season even though I didn’t reach the levels that I wanted to reach. That’s another reason why I wanted to come back here, to show everyone what I’m about and prove to everyone how much of a great player I am.”
“Being out on loan makes you grow up. Even though I didn’t have the best loan spells last season, I felt like I grew up and became much more of a man. I felt as though now was the right time to move on and really kick on with my career and I’m glad that I’ll get the chance to do that here.”
Collyer stressed that he wants to play as many minutes as possible and help West Brom enjoy a successful campaign.
Featured image by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images
