Midfielder returns to The Hawthorns after loan spell and a promotion-winning season
West Bromwich Albion have completed the signing of midfielder Toby Collyer from Manchester United for an undisclosed fee, the club confirmed on Sunday. The 22-year-old has agreed a four-year contract and becomes Albion’s ninth summer signing as manager James Morrison continues to reshape the squad.
Collyer spent the first half of last season on loan at The Hawthorns, making 12 Championship appearances before moving to Hull City, where he featured as they secured promotion to the Premier League. He also made 13 appearances for Manchester United in all competitions during the 2024-25 season, having made his competitive debut for the club in a 3-0 home defeat by Liverpool in September 2024.
"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."
The move will be viewed locally as a sign of ambition from Albion. Collyer arrives alongside earlier recruits this summer, including Jimmy-Jay Morgan and Conor Townsend, as the club looks to mount a strong Championship campaign and push for promotion back to the top flight.
What Collyer brings to Albion
Collyer’s return gives Morrison a midfielder who is familiar with The Hawthorns and has recent experience in both Championship and Premier League environments. His season was split between the temporary return to West Bromwich and a successful stint at Hull City, where he contributed to a promotion campaign.
- Age: 22
- Contract length: Four years
- Previous season: 12 Championship appearances for West Brom (loan), then a spell at Hull City that ended with promotion
For supporters, the combination of youth and experience at a high level is likely to be attractive. Collyer has now been involved in first-team football across two of England’s top divisions and returns with more minutes under his belt than at the start of last season.
Local context and implications
Albion’s recruitment drive this summer has been pronounced. Bringing in Collyer — a player who had already spent time at The Hawthorns — underlines a strategy of assembling a squad that blends familiarity with fresh additions. For the club’s fanbase in West Bromwich, the signing may also ease concerns about squad depth in midfield ahead of a competitive Championship season.
The club has yet to disclose the transfer fee. Albion’s manager, James Morrison, has been publicly linked to several of the moves this summer and the player’s own comments referred to the manager’s interest as a decisive factor in his return.
| Club | Appearances (noted) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| West Bromwich Albion (loan) | 12 | First half of last season, Championship |
| Manchester United | 13 | All competitions, 2024-25 season |
How Collyer is used in the early weeks will be closely watched. With the transfer window activity still unfolding, the midfield hierarchy is likely to be competitive and the manager’s tactical approach will determine whether Collyer becomes a regular starter or a rotation option in a packed schedule.
For West Bromwich residents who follow Albion closely, the return of a young player who has already experienced life at The Hawthorns offers a storyline rooted in continuity and local connection. The broader test will be on the pitch, where supporters will expect the new recruit to contribute to the club’s ambitions this season.
