West Ham are set to lose Freddie Potts to Club Brugge and should consider Manchester United’s Toby Collyer as a replacement.
West Ham have money to spend this summer. WHUFC have already sold Mateus Fernandes to Tottenham Hotspur and Crysencio Summerville, but some of that money can be banked for their Premier League return.
Freddie Potts looks set to leave the club for £10m after the Hammers reached an agreement with Club Brugge. Potts could have played more matches next season, but is heading for pastures new instead.
To replace him, West Ham should look at Manchester United midfielder Toby Collyer, who looks to be on the market this summer. Hull City could come calling once again after a six-month loan last season, but the London Stadium could be a more attractive move, despite the division difference.
At 22, Collyer will be hoping for more regular game time next season, which he will not get at Manchester United. They have already bought Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, with another midfield signing considered likely.
Toby Collyer is Premier League quality, and can prove it at West Ham
West Ham will be seeking an immediate return to the Premier League next season, so they will sign players good enough for the step up. Enter, Collyer.
The former Brighton youngster has made 13 appearances for Manchester United. One memorable substitute appearance was against Liverpool under Erik ten Hag when he replaced Casemiro at half-time.
Collyer is an agile central midfielder who excels in deeper positions, but can play further forward if required. He is quick to cover the ground when his side loses possession and aggressive in the tackle.
The Manchester United youngster could be willing to drop down to the Championship, knowing WHUFC will be aiming to return to the Premier League immediately, especially if he is to be handed a regular role.
West Ham need a new central midfielder – one who will be good enough for the Premier League. And, Collyer needs a move away from Manchester United, so the deal just makes sense.
WHUFC’s biggest concern will be Collyer’s injury struggles over the last few seasons, but his quality and potential are good enough to feature for Nuno Espirito Santo‘s side.
Toby Collyer’s Championship statistics
Manchester United would not demand a high fee for Collyer, allowing West Ham to spend more money on other areas of the squad. Also, WHUFC could choose not to spend as much this summer, allowing for more transfers on their return to the Premier League.
Without Fernandes and Potts in midfield, Collyer is sure to play regular football for the Hammers and potentially achieve the potential that Manchester United saw when they purchased him from Brighton.
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