Manchester United are on the verge of completing another loan departure as promising midfielder Toby Collyer closes in on a season-long move to West Bromwich Albion for the 2025-26 campaign. The 21-year-old academy graduate, who made his breakthrough into the first team last season under Ruben Amorim, has chosen the Championship club over numerous other interested parties as the Red Devils’ ongoing squad reshaping continues to gather momentum. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that an agreement is imminent between all parties involved, with the deal expected to be finalized within the coming hours.
Table of Contents
Fabrizio Romano Confirms Imminent Agreement
Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano has provided the definitive update on the situation, posting on social media: “Toby Collyer, on the verge of leaving Man United to join West Bromwich on loan. Move to West Brom will not include any buy option clause. Man United trust him for the future as West Brom are set to win the race after Hull City tried in the recent weeks.”
This confirmation comes after The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell first broke the news about advanced negotiations between the clubs. The absence of a buy option clause in the agreement demonstrates Manchester United’s faith in Collyer’s long-term potential and their intention to reintegrate him into the squad following his development in the Championship.
West Bromwich Albion Win Competitive Race
Despite attracting interest from over a dozen Championship clubs, Toby Collyer has made his preference clear by choosing West Bromwich Albion for his temporary destination. A host of Championship clubs registered interest, but United midfielder has chosen WBA under Ryan Mason, according to reports from The Athletic.
The competition for Collyer’s signature was particularly intense, with Hull City and Sheffield Wednesday among the clubs that made serious attempts to secure his services. However, West Bromwich Albion’s compelling project under manager Ryan Mason and their ambitions for Premier League promotion ultimately swayed the young midfielder’s decision.
Collyer’s Manchester United Journey
The Worthing-born midfielder’s path to Old Trafford began in 2022 when Manchester United’s scouts identified his potential and successfully prised him away from Brighton and Hove Albion’s academy system. His development trajectory accelerated rapidly, culminating in a breakthrough campaign during the 2024-25 season.
Under Ruben Amorim’s guidance, Collyer established himself as a regular first-team player, making 13 appearances across all competitions. His versatility and tenacity in central midfield caught the attention of the Portuguese coach, leading to significant minutes in both Premier League and European competitions.
The 21-year-old’s contract situation reflects Manchester United’s long-term planning, having signed an extended deal in 2024 that keeps him tied to Old Trafford until 2027, with an additional year option. This contractual security allows both player and club to approach the loan move with confidence in their future relationship.
Strategic Reasoning Behind the Loan Move
Manchester United’s decision to sanction Collyer’s temporary departure aligns with several strategic considerations that benefit both the player’s development and the club’s immediate squad planning. With the Red Devils currently pursuing Brighton’s Carlos Baleba as a priority midfield target, Collyer’s position in the pecking order would inevitably be affected by any new arrivals.
The competitive landscape at Old Trafford presents challenges for young players seeking regular first-team minutes. Collyer finds himself competing with established players including Kobbie Mainoo, Casemiro, and Manuel Ugarte for central midfield positions. Additionally, Manchester United’s absence from European competition this season means fewer opportunities for squad rotation and development minutes.
Ryan Mason’s Tactical Plans at West Bromwich Albion
West Bromwich Albion manager Ryan Mason has identified Collyer as a key component in the club’s promotion ambitions for the upcoming Championship campaign. The former Tottenham Hotspur coach believes the Manchester United loanee possesses the technical ability and physical attributes necessary to thrive in the demanding second tier of English football.
The Baggies currently find themselves somewhat short-staffed in central midfield positions, with only Ousmane Diakite, Jason Molumby, and Alex Mowatt available as recognized central midfield options. This tactical deficiency makes Collyer’s arrival particularly significant, as regular playing time appears virtually guaranteed under Mason’s system.
Championship Development Pathway
The Championship has historically served as an excellent development platform for Manchester United’s young talents, with several recent success stories validating this approach. Amad Diallo’s transformative loan spell with Sunderland serves as the most prominent example, with the Ivorian returning to become an essential component of Amorim’s tactical setup.
This precedent suggests that Collyer’s temporary move to West Bromwich Albion represents a calculated investment in his long-term development rather than any indication of declining prospects at Old Trafford. The physical demands and tactical complexity of Championship football should provide ideal preparation for eventual Premier League integration.
Transfer Timeline and Key Milestones
| Date | Development | Source |
|---|---|---|
| August 13, 2025 | Initial reports of West Brom interest | The Athletic |
| August 14, 2025 | Advanced talks confirmed | Laurie Whitwell |
| August 14, 2025 | Romano confirms imminent agreement | Fabrizio Romano |
| August 14, 2025 | Deal structure finalized | Multiple sources |
Toby Collyer’s Manchester United Statistics
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 6 | 0 | 0 | 245 |
| Europa League | 4 | 0 | 1 | 187 |
| Domestic Cups | 3 | 0 | 0 | 156 |
| Total | 13 | 0 | 1 | 588 |
Market Dynamics and Financial Considerations
The loan arrangement represents sound financial planning for all parties involved, with Manchester United maintaining Collyer’s wages while benefiting from his continued development. West Bromwich Albion gains access to Premier League-level talent without significant transfer fees or long-term contractual obligations.
The absence of a purchase option clause ensures that Manchester United retains complete control over Collyer’s future, preventing any potential complications should his development exceed expectations during his Championship stint. This protective measure reflects the club’s confidence in his eventual contribution to the first-team squad.
Impact on West Bromwich Albion’s Promotion Prospects
West Bromwich Albion’s acquisition of Collyer significantly strengthens their promotion credentials for the 2025-26 Championship campaign. The club’s strategic recruitment approach under Ryan Mason focuses on combining experienced Championship performers with promising young talents seeking development opportunities.
The Baggies’ belief that Collyer can aid their push for promotion to the Premier League reflects both his individual quality and his potential impact on squad depth. His Premier League experience, albeit limited, provides valuable insight into the standards required for top-flight success.
Competition Analysis: Why West Brom Prevailed
The competitive landscape for Collyer’s signature included several established Championship clubs, each offering different advantages and development pathways. Hull City’s recent interest demonstrated the Tigers’ commitment to youth development, while Sheffield Wednesday’s historical pedigree provided alternative attractions.
However, West Bromwich Albion’s compelling combination of factors ultimately proved decisive. Ryan Mason’s reputation as a coach capable of developing young players, combined with the club’s realistic promotion ambitions and guaranteed playing time, created an irresistible proposition for the young midfielder.
Future Implications for Manchester United’s Academy Strategy
Collyer’s loan move represents part of Manchester United’s broader strategy to maximize the development potential of their academy graduates through strategic temporary placements. This approach acknowledges the competitive reality of modern football while maintaining long-term investment in homegrown talent.
The success of this loan arrangement could influence future decisions regarding other promising academy products, establishing a template for balancing first-team integration with external development opportunities. Manchester United’s commitment to avoiding buy-option clauses suggests confidence in their ability to reintegrate successful loanees.
FAQs
Will West Bromwich Albion have an option to buy Toby Collyer permanently?
No, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that the loan deal will not include any buy option clause. Manchester United want to retain control over Collyer’s future and trust him for their long-term plans.
How many appearances did Toby Collyer make for Manchester United last season?
Collyer made 13 appearances across all competitions during the 2024-25 season under Ruben Amorim, including 6 Premier League games, 4 Europa League matches, and 3 domestic cup appearances.
Which other Championship clubs were interested in signing Toby Collyer?
Over a dozen Championship clubs showed interest in Collyer, with Hull City and Sheffield Wednesday being the most prominent alternatives to West Bromwich Albion in the race for his signature.
When did Toby Collyer join Manchester United and from which club?
Collyer joined Manchester United in 2022 from Brighton and Hove Albion’s academy. He signed an extended contract with United in 2024 that runs until 2027 with an option for an additional year.
Why is Manchester United sending Toby Collyer on loan despite his first-team breakthrough?
United are pursuing Carlos Baleba from Brighton, which would push Collyer down the pecking order. Additionally, the club’s absence from European competition means fewer opportunities for young players to gain valuable minutes, making a Championship loan ideal for his development.
