Toby Collyer: Why West Brom Star Snubbed Hull City

Toby Collyer reveals why West Brom beat Hull City to his signature

West Brom summer recruit Toby Collyer has said it was a 'no-brainer' decision to re-sign for the Baggies despite interest from Premier League new boys Hull City. The 22-year-old joined permanently from Manchester United on a four-year deal until June 2030 and has made two league appearances for James Morrison's side.

Player: Toby Collyer, 22, midfielder
Deal: Permanent from Manchester United to West Brom, four-year contract until June 2030
Rival interest: Hull City wanted to re-sign him after his loan spell there last season
Appearances: Two for West Brom since his move, both in the Championship
Next fixture: Birmingham City (home) after the international break
Manager: James Morrison

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."
— Toby Collyer, speaking to the Express & Star

"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."
— Toby Collyer, explaining his decision to snub Hull City

Collyer's words underline a simple calculation: at West Brom he sees a clearer path to regular football. The midfielder spent the first half of last season on loan at The Hawthorns, then left in January to join Hull City, helping the Tigers win promotion from the Championship before returning to Old Trafford at the end of the campaign.

Hull wanted him again for their Premier League return under Sergej Jakirovic, but Collyer instead returned to the Midlands. His emphasis on the "building", "coaching staff" and "lads" suggests West Brom's environment and a realistic first-team role outweighed the lure of top-flight football.

Deal details

West Brom swooped to land Collyer on a permanent basis from Manchester United in the last transfer window. He put pen to paper on a four-year deal at The Hawthorns running until June 2030. The fee is not disclosed in the source. Hull City, promoted from the Championship last season, were keen on a reunion but the 22-year-old chose a return to the Black Country instead.

Injury and availability

Collyer struggled with injury issues last term and didn't play much football. West Brom must keep him fit over the coming weeks and months to get value from the deal. He has started his second spell positively, making two league appearances for James Morrison's men since arriving.

Why Collyer chose West Brom over Hull City

Toby Collyer walks into a midfield department where he knows the surroundings and has already earned trust. West Brom's engine room includes Jayson Molumby, Ousmane Diakite and Rabby Nzingoula, and Collyer battles them for a starting berth. That competition is fierce, but it is Championship competition — not the Premier League. At Hull, by contrast, he would have been behind Regan Slater, Lucas Gourna-Douath, Tim Iroegbunam, Matt Crooks and Hidemasa Morita. Breaking into that five-man group in the top flight, as a 22-year-old with limited senior football, was always going to be a stretch.

The tactical logic is that Collyer offers energy and technical security in central areas, a profile Morrison can use as a starter rather than a cup cameo. West Brom's solid start — a play-off position after eight fixtures alongside Middlesbrough, Wolves, QPR, Stoke City and Bristol City — gives him a platform to show what he can do playing regularly in the EFL. The Baggies are described as a tough nut to crack at the back, losing 1-0 away at Wolves last time out before the international break. A player who can protect that defensive solidity while progressing the ball is exactly what Morrison needs.

For Collyer personally, the trade-off is clear: a division lower but a genuine role now. Rejoining Hull would have risked a season of cameos, stunting the development he says drove the decision. West Brom's pitch — facilities, staff, squad — convinced him it was the best place to take his game to the next level. It is a mature call for a player who has already seen how quickly momentum can stall through injury and limited minutes.

Talking points

Was Collyer right to reject Premier League football for a Championship promotion push? Top-flight exposure is hard to turn down, but minutes matter more at 22.
Hull City's midfield depth — Regan Slater, Lucas Gourna-Douath, Tim Iroegbunam, Matt Crooks and Hidemasa Morita — shows why Collyer may have been a bench option at best.
West Brom's midfield is now crowded with Jayson Molumby, Ousmane Diakite, Rabby Nzingoula and Collyer. Does Morrison have a clear first-choice trio?
Collyer's injury record last season is a genuine risk. Can West Brom keep him fit enough to justify a four-year contract?

What happens next

West Brom return from the international break with a home clash against Birmingham City next weekend. Collyer will be pushing for a third appearance and a stronger claim on a starting spot in Morrison's midfield. Hull City, meanwhile, continue their Premier League campaign with the knowledge that one of their promotion heroes chose a different path.

Frequently asked questions

Why did Toby Collyer reject Hull City to join West Brom?

Collyer said it was a 'no-brainer' because he believes West Brom is the best place for him to develop and take his game to the next level, citing the building, coaching staff and players.