West Brom, Man United deal ends early - Bristol City, Millwall & Middlesbrough should eye up transfer raid | OneFootball

Toby Collyer has returned to Man Utd after a difficult spell at West Brom, but he could still do a good job for clubs in the Championship this season.

There was a lot of excitement around West Brom when the club managed to secure a loan deal for Man United’s Toby Collyer.

The midfielder joined the Red Devils from Brighton in 2022, and he is very highly-rated at Old Trafford due to his performances for the academy over the years, which saw him earn first-team opportunities, with Collyer making 13 appearances for United.

However, it was clear he needed regular game time, so a move to Albion was finalised in the summer, but it’s fair to say it hasn’t worked out how anyone wanted.

Toby Collyer returns to Man United after tough West Brom spell

Whilst injuries have restricted the impact the 21-year-old has been able to make, Collyer featured just 12 times for the Baggies, with the majority of those outings coming from the bench.

In truth, West Brom didn’t get to see Collyer at his best, although some will argue that Ryan Mason should have given the player more playing time when he was fit and available.

Sadly, a calf problem is going to keep the youngster out injured going into 2026, but United have already made the decision to recall Collyer, and it has been reported that he has interest from the Championship to take him on loan in January.

With that in mind, we look at THREE clubs who should be lining up a move for Collyer when the window opens…

Bristol City

The Robins have had a positive campaign so far under Gerhard Struber, and there will be a feeling that a top six finish is once again a possibility.

But, it’s clear that they need reinforcements, and Max Bird’s continued absence means that bringing in a central midfielder has to be a priority.

So, Collyer should get the minutes that Man Utd will demand, and he could quickly settle into this Bristol City XI, with his energy and drive meaning he is ideally suited to the style of play that Struber demands.

A potential worry is his injury situation, as Bristol City need someone who can hit the ground running, but this is a gamble that could pay off as they try to reach the Premier League.

Millwall

Millwall are another club in the play-off hunt, and, like Bristol City, they are struggling with a lack of squad depth which has impacted their form going into January.

Therefore, the window is opening at just the right time, and Collyer is a player that could really help Alex Neil’s side.

Collyer’s profile is exactly what the Scotsman would want from a midfielder, as he can mix it physically, carry the ball, and he will also bring a bit more quality in possession to this Millwall team, which has to be a priority for the Lions.

The Londoners aren’t in a position where they need an overhaul this January. Instead, it’s about adding two or three players who can make a difference, and Collyer would certainly do that.

Middlesbrough

It may seem strange to suggest that Collyer could end up at Middlesbrough, who occupy the automatic promotion places, after he failed to make a positive impression at West Brom, but playing for Kim Hellberg could be just what the player needs.

Despite their quality, Boro aren’t stacked for midfield options, so it’s an area the recruitment team could address, and Collyer will be suited to the way the Teesside outfit play.

He is technically assured, and he is capable of pressing effectively in the high-intensity approach that Hellberg demands.

Alex Gilbert has been a real positive emergence in midfield since Hellberg arrived, but Collyer would appear to be an upgrade, and it could be the perfect environment for the Man Utd youngster to flourish alongside the immensely talented Hayden Hackney.