Hull City transfer miss: Toby Collyer explains West Brom 'no-brainer' snub
West Brom midfielder Toby Collyer has revealed why he rejected Hull City interest to re-sign for the Baggies, calling the move a 'no-brainer'. The 22-year-old spent the first half of last season on loan at The Hawthorns before joining Hull in January, but returned to West Brom permanently this summer.
- Player: Toby Collyer, 22, midfielder
- Clubs involved: West Bromwich Albion, Hull City
- Transfer: Collyer joined West Brom permanently from Manchester United in the summer window
- Contract: Four-year deal at The Hawthorns until June 2030
- Previous spell: Loaned to West Brom for first half of last season, then Hull City in January
- Quote: Collyer called it a 'no-brainer' to rejoin West Brom despite Hull interest
What was said
"When I evaluated everything, I pinpointed this place as the best place for me to develop, to take my game to the next level – in terms of everything, the building, the coaching staff, the lads."
"I think it's a group sort of aspect when you look at it, you don't look at one thing or another – look at everything and I felt this place was the best place for me to make the next step for myself and obviously wanting to come back here to such a great club with great coaching staff and lads. I really believe in this club, I believe in the ideas and everything to do with it so it was a no-brainer for me."
The numbers
Collyer has made two appearances for West Brom since his permanent move, both in the Championship under head coach James Morrison. The Baggies handed him a four-year contract running until June 2030. He previously played 13 times for Manchester United before his loan spells away, and rose through Brighton & Hove Albion's youth ranks as an England youth international.
West Brom have started the season solidly and sit in the play-offs after eight fixtures, alongside Middlesbrough, Wolves, QPR, Stoke City and Bristol City. They lost 1-0 away at Wolves last time out before the international break.
Why Collyer chose West Brom over Hull City
Collyer's decision hinged on regular game time. At Hull City, the midfielder would have faced stiff competition in a Premier League midfield that already includes Regan Slater, Lucas Gourna-Douath, Tim Iroegbunam, Matt Crooks and Hidemasa Morita. The Tigers' top-flight status meant opportunities would have been limited for a 22-year-old still establishing himself.
West Brom, by contrast, offered a clearer pathway. The Baggies brought Collyer back to bolster their midfield department, providing competition and depth alongside Jayson Molumby, Ousmane Diakite and Rabby Nzingoula. That battle for places is exactly the kind of environment Collyer believes will help him develop.
His comments underline a pragmatic choice: stay in the Championship where he can play regularly, rather than step up to the Premier League with Hull and risk warming the bench. For a player who struggled with injury issues last term and didn't play much football, consistent minutes at The Hawthorns were the priority.
Talking points
- Collyer's rejection highlights the challenge Hull City face in attracting proven Championship talent now they are in the Premier League, with players weighing top-flight exposure against guaranteed minutes.
- West Brom's midfield depth is now considerable, with Collyer joining Molumby, Diakite and Nzingoula. Keeping him fit will be key after his injury-hit 2025/26 campaign.
- Hull City's midfield options remain extensive, but the Tigers may need to look elsewhere if they want further reinforcements in that area.
What happens next
West Brom face Birmingham City next weekend as they look to maintain their play-off push. Collyer will hope to add to his two appearances and stay injury-free over the coming weeks and months. Hull City, meanwhile, continue their Premier League campaign with their own squad options in midfield.
Frequently asked questions
Why did Toby Collyer reject Hull City?
Collyer said joining West Brom was a 'no-brainer' after evaluating everything, believing The Hawthorns was the best place for him to develop and take his game to the next level. He also would have faced serious competition for minutes at Hull City.
When did Toby Collyer play for Hull City?
Collyer linked up with Hull City in January last season after spending the first half of the campaign on loan at West Brom. He returned to Old Trafford at the end of the season following the Tigers' promotion from the Championship.
What contract did Toby Collyer sign with West Brom?
Collyer signed a four-year deal with West Brom running until June 2030 after joining permanently from Manchester United in the summer transfer window.
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