West Bromwich Albion are reportedly interested in bringing Toby Collyer back to The Hawthorns, with the midfielder's impressive loan spell last season having caught the eye of the club's recruitment team. According to reports, the Baggies are keen to secure the services of the former Manchester United loanee for another temporary stint, as they look to strengthen their squad for the upcoming campaign.
Collyer's Previous Spell at West Brom
Collyer, a young midfielder who has been on the books at Old Trafford since his teenage years, spent the 2023-24 season on loan at West Brom, where he made a significant impact. During his time in the West Midlands, the 21-year-old featured in 28 league matches for the Baggies, scoring two goals and providing three assists. His performances were widely praised, with his energy, passing range, and ability to break up play earning him a regular starting spot under the management of Carlos Corberán.
The former Manchester United academy product, who has represented England at youth level, also impressed in cup competitions, helping West Brom reach the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, where they were narrowly beaten by Manchester City. His contribution was such that the club's supporters took him to their hearts, and there was a sense of disappointment when he returned to his parent club at the end of the season.
Why a Return Makes Sense
The potential return of Collyer would provide a significant boost to West Brom's midfield options, as they prepare for another season in the Championship. With the club having lost a number of key players during the summer transfer window, including the departure of experienced midfielder Okay Yokuşlu, there is a clear need for fresh legs and creativity in the centre of the park. Collyer's familiarity with the club's style of play and his existing rapport with the squad would make him an ideal addition, allowing him to hit the ground running without the need for an extended adaptation period.
From Manchester United's perspective, a further loan move for Collyer would be a sensible step in his development. The Premier League giants are keen to see their promising youngsters gain regular first-team experience, and with the midfielder unlikely to break into Erik ten Hag's starting eleven on a consistent basis this season, a Championship loan would provide him with the platform to continue his growth. United have a history of sending their young players to the second tier, with the likes of James Garner and Dean Henderson having previously spent time on loan in the division.
Competition for His Signature
However, West Brom may face competition for Collyer's signature, with a number of other clubs reportedly monitoring his situation. Several Championship sides, as well as a few clubs from the Scottish Premiership, are believed to have made enquiries about the midfielder's availability, while there is also interest from clubs in the Netherlands and Belgium. The Baggies, though, are thought to hold an advantage, as Collyer is said to have enjoyed his time at the club and would be open to a return.
Speaking about the speculation, a source close to the player said: "Toby loved his time at West Brom and would be happy to go back there. He feels the manager and the fans really took to him, and he believes he can continue to develop there. But he's also aware that he needs to be playing regular football, and he'll weigh up all his options before making a decision."
What This Means for West Brom
The potential signing of Collyer would be a statement of intent from West Brom, who are aiming to mount a promotion push this season. Having narrowly missed out on the play-offs last term, the club's hierarchy are eager to strengthen the squad in key areas, and the addition of a player with Collyer's pedigree would be a clear signal of their ambitions.
With the transfer window still open until the end of August, West Brom will be hoping to complete a deal for the midfielder in the coming weeks. The club's fans will be eagerly awaiting news of any developments, as they look forward to seeing a familiar face back in the famous blue and white stripes.
In the meantime, Collyer will continue to train with Manchester United's first-team squad as he prepares for the new season, with his future set to be resolved before the window closes. Should a move back to The Hawthorns materialise, it would represent a positive step for all parties involved, providing the player with the opportunity to continue his development while helping West Brom in their quest for promotion.
