Toby Collyer set to join West Brom as Manchester United agree £3m deal

Manchester United midfielder Toby Collyer is reportedly on the verge of completing a permanent move to West Bromwich Albion, with the two clubs understood to have reached an agreement over the transfer.

West Brom are set to pay £3 million upfront for the 22-year-old, while the overall value of the deal could rise to £7.6 million through add-ons. United have also protected their future interest by securing a 40 per cent sell-on clause.

The structure of the agreement means Manchester United could benefit financially again if Collyer establishes himself at West Brom and earns a lucrative future transfer.

Manchester United agree Collyer transfer

The £3m guaranteed payment represents the immediate return for Manchester United, with the additional £4.6m dependent on various conditions being fulfilled.

Some of those bonuses are reportedly connected to West Brom’s achievements and Collyer’s own international progression. Potential Premier League and European success for the Baggies, as well as a senior England call-up for Collyer, are understood to form part of the incentive structure.

The 40 per cent sell-on clause is another significant element of the agreement. Should West Brom eventually sell Collyer, United would be entitled to a substantial share of the next transfer fee.

That gives the Red Devils an opportunity to benefit from his development even after he has permanently left Old Trafford.

Why has Collyer left Manchester United?

Collyer joined Manchester United from Brighton in 2022 and progressed through the club’s system before making his senior debut against Manchester City in the 2024 Community Shield.

However, he struggled to establish himself as a regular member of the first-team squad. Limited opportunities, combined with injuries, have interrupted his progress at senior level.

The midfielder spent the first half of the 2025/26 season on loan at West Brom, making 12 Championship appearances and supplying one assist before suffering a calf injury.

United subsequently brought him back in January before sending him to Hull City, where he made a further five Championship appearances.

His limited playing time and fitness issues have contributed to the decision to move him on permanently rather than continue with another season in which first-team opportunities could be restricted.

West Brom provide familiar surroundings

A move to West Brom offers Collyer an environment he already knows well.

The midfielder enjoyed regular Championship football at The Hawthorns during the opening part of last season and is now set to return on a permanent basis.

The presence of James Morrison could also be important. Morrison has previously worked with Collyer and is now in charge at West Brom, giving the midfielder a manager familiar with his qualities.

Regular playing time is likely to be a major attraction for Collyer. At 22, establishing himself as a consistent senior player is arguably more valuable to his development than remaining at Manchester United without a guaranteed role.

West Brom were not the only club interested, with Hull City and Middlesbrough also reported to have explored the possibility of signing him.

The Baggies, however, have emerged as the preferred destination and are now set to secure his services.

United’s midfield changes helped trigger the move

Manchester United’s summer recruitment has also had a major influence on Collyer’s situation.

The club have strengthened their midfield with the arrivals of Carlos Baleba, Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, increasing competition for places in the centre of the pitch.

With several established options ahead of him, Collyer’s route into regular first-team football at Old Trafford became increasingly difficult.

Rather than keeping him as a fringe player, United have opted to allow him to continue his development elsewhere.

For Collyer, the permanent transfer should provide greater certainty over his role and give him the opportunity to build a consistent run of matches.

Fitness remains a key issue

One of the main concerns surrounding Collyer’s development has been his ability to remain available.

His 2025/26 campaign was disrupted by a calf injury suffered during his loan spell at West Brom. The problem forced him to miss a considerable period and ultimately contributed to United recalling him in January.

He had also experienced injury problems during the previous campaign, meaning his fitness will be an important factor as he begins this new chapter.

West Brom will be hoping that regular football and a stable role can help Collyer put those setbacks behind him.

If he can maintain his fitness, the move could provide the platform required for him to fulfil the potential that initially attracted Manchester United when they signed him from Brighton.

What will Collyer bring to West Brom?

Collyer’s primary position is defensive midfield, and his strengths are more closely associated with the defensive and structural aspects of the game than attacking statistics.

He can provide protection in front of the defence, compete for possession and help maintain balance when teammates move forward.

His responsibilities are likely to include:

• shielding the defence;
• competing for second balls and midfield duels;
• keeping possession moving;
• covering spaces in central areas;
• providing defensive balance;
• supporting more attack-minded midfielders.

He is therefore unlikely to be judged primarily on goals and assists.

During his Championship appearances last season, he did not score but recorded one assist, underlining the type of role he is expected to perform.

The priority will be for Collyer to become a dependable presence in midfield and establish himself as a regular starter.

Why the move makes sense for West Brom

From West Brom’s perspective, the transfer carries plenty of potential.

The club have already seen Collyer operate in the Championship and know what he can offer. His previous spell also means he should require less time to adapt to the surroundings and demands of the division.

His familiarity with the club, combined with Morrison’s previous knowledge of the player, could help him settle quickly.

There is still plenty of room for improvement in Collyer’s game, and West Brom will be hoping regular football allows him to make that next step.

The reported 40 per cent sell-on clause also demonstrates that Manchester United believe there remains significant potential in the midfielder.

What Manchester United get from the agreement

United’s decision provides an immediate financial return while also preserving a significant interest in Collyer’s future.

The guaranteed £3m is relatively modest compared with the sums involved in Premier League transfers, but the potential £7.6m package gives the deal greater value if the relevant conditions are achieved.

More importantly, United have retained the reported 40 per cent sell-on clause.

That could become particularly valuable if Collyer develops into an important Championship midfielder and eventually attracts interest from clubs willing to pay a substantial transfer fee.

The agreement therefore gives United a combination of immediate income and future financial protection.

It also allows the club to reduce competition within their own squad following their extensive midfield recruitment.

A fresh opportunity for Collyer

For the player himself, the move represents an important opportunity.

Collyer has spent the past few seasons attempting to break through at Manchester United, but regular first-team football has remained difficult to secure.

A permanent switch to West Brom gives him the chance to focus on establishing himself at senior level rather than fighting for occasional appearances.

He already knows the club and the Championship, while the coaching staff are familiar with his abilities.

The challenge now is to remain fit, earn a regular place in the team and demonstrate that he can become a reliable midfielder over a sustained period.

Verdict

Toby Collyer’s Manchester United spell appears to be coming to an end with West Brom set to sign him permanently.

The reported agreement includes a £3m guaranteed fee, with the deal potentially reaching £7.6m in total, while United retain a 40 per cent sell-on clause.

For West Brom, it is a chance to secure a young midfielder who already has experience at The Hawthorns and in the Championship.

For Manchester United, the deal creates squad space, generates an immediate fee and preserves a potentially valuable future financial return.

And for Collyer, the transfer could be the opportunity he needs to turn his early promise into a sustained senior career.

His next challenge is clear: stay fit, establish himself at West Brom and show that he can become the player Manchester United once believed he could be.