Hull City are set to boost their midfield with the loan signing of Toby Collyer from Manchester United for the remainder of the 2025‑26 season. The 22-year-old joins following a disrupted spell at West Bromwich Albion, where recurring injuries limited him to 12 appearances, including just three starts. Hull manager Sergej Jakirović confirmed the move […]
Hull City are set to boost their midfield with the loan signing of Toby Collyer from Manchester United for the remainder of the 2025‑26 season. The 22-year-old joins following a disrupted spell at West Bromwich Albion, where recurring injuries limited him to 12 appearances, including just three starts.
Hull manager Sergej Jakirović confirmed the move is close to completion:
“With Toby Collyer we are waiting, but I think we have a green light from Man United and I think he will join us on Monday. This is what I know, but we have agreed everything with Man United. He will have a medical this weekend. He is now ready for training.”
Collyer, described as “freakish” for his running stats, made his Manchester United debut in August 2024 and featured 13 times last season, including in the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur. Here’s a closer look at what he brings to Hull City:
Collyer’s game intelligence makes him a key figure in midfield. He consistently anticipates opposition moves, positions himself to intercept passes, and shields the backline effectively. This defensive awareness allows Hull to limit dangerous turnovers and maintain structure in central areas.
Offensively, Collyer excels in transitioning the ball from defence to attack. Comfortable under pressure, he can distribute both short and long passes accurately, carry the ball into advanced areas, and link up play across the pitch. His composure allows Hull to build attacks patiently, while also providing options for quick counter-attacks when opportunities arise.
His versatility adds further value. Collyer can operate as a deep-lying pivot or a box-to-box midfielder, depending on Jakirović’s tactical setup. This flexibility ensures Hull can adjust formations without sacrificing balance in the middle, controlling possession, dictating tempo, and reducing vulnerability to counter-attacks. His combination of defensive acumen and ball-carrying ability makes him a complete midfielder capable of shaping games in both phases.
One of Collyer’s standout traits is his relentless energy. He covers large areas of the pitch, presses opponents aggressively, and supports both defence and attack with sustained intensity. His ability to maintain high performance across 90 minutes is particularly valuable in the Championship, where demanding schedules often test squad depth.
Collyer’s pressing and tackling disrupt opposition rhythm, forcing turnovers and creating opportunities for Hull to exploit. His stamina allows him to track runs, close gaps, and maintain defensive solidity while contributing to forward transitions. This dual capacity defensive diligence and offensive support adds balance to Jakirović’s midfield, enabling other players to focus on creative or attacking responsibilities without leaving spaces behind.
Beyond physicality, Collyer brings a competitive edge. His determination and consistency set the tone for teammates, ensuring intensity remains high throughout matches. He can sustain pressure on opponents in tight games, helping Hull maintain control in central areas and influence outcomes during decisive moments. This combination of work rate, tactical awareness, and resilience makes him a reliable engine in Hull’s midfield.
Despite being 22, Collyer has valuable experience at senior and European levels. He has competed in both the Championship and the Europa League, developing composure in high-pressure situations and learning to make intelligent decisions under scrutiny. This maturity allows him to manage games calmly, maintain possession effectively, and support teammates in defensive and attacking transitions.
Off the pitch, Collyer sets high professional standards. His preparation, discipline, and approach to training contribute to squad cohesion and set benchmarks for younger players. For Hull, this professionalism is crucial in maintaining consistency throughout a long, physically demanding Championship season.
Tactically, Collyer’s understanding of team shape allows him to adapt to multiple roles shielding the defence, assisting transitions, or maintaining possession. His communication helps organize teammates, maintain midfield structure, and reduce errors in critical areas. By combining technical skill, mental composure, and professional maturity, Collyer provides Hull with a player capable of immediate impact and long-term squad influence.
Toby Collyer’s loan move from Manchester United gives Hull City a midfielder capable of influencing matches across all phases of play. His tactical intelligence, relentless work rate, and professionalism provide both immediate quality on the pitch and stability off it. With Collyer now ready for training, Jakirović gains a versatile, dependable option to help the Tigers push for consistency in the Championship this season.
