Transfer News: Manchester United set to beat Chelsea for Brighton starlet Toby Collyer
According to The Sun, Manchester United are set to beat Chelsea for securing the services of Brighton starlet Toby Collyer in the summer transfer window. He is widely regarded as one of the best young midfielders playing in the South Coast of England, and his signing would be a major boost to Ralf Rangnick’s side.
Collyer is in line to depart Brighton and Hove Albion on a free transfer at the end of this season. Both parties failed to reach an agreement over an extension paving the way for Man United to make their case. The Blues and West Ham United were also in the race, but it seems that the Red Devils are the winners in this particular case.
The 18-year-old has all but confirmed the move himself after posting a picture of the Manchester club’s home shirt with his name and number six at the back. This update was revealed on his Instagram handle, indicating that the matter is pretty much a done deal, delivering a blow to Thomas Tuchel’s side in the process.
Tough blow, but not the end!
The Seagulls wonderkid could have been a great addition to our youth teams which has been excellent over the past few years. We have seen several talents being churned out of the Cobham academy due to the healthy surroundings that are created to assist with their development.
However, it seems that the defensive midfielder was not convinced by a move to Stamford Bridge and has chosen Carrington as his next destination. Earlier, Fabrizio Romano revealed that the youngster had signed a three year and a half contract with Rangnick’s team.
Losing out on a talented prospect like Collyer would no doubt be a blow, but it is not the end of the road for us at all. We could have used him in midfield as a long-term replacement for the likes of Jorginho or N’Golo Kante. That being said, we certainly have other rising talents who can fill in that role.
Billy Gilmour seems ready to get into the first team set-up next season and would greatly help in solidifying the pivot role. While Norwich City has had a difficult campaign so far, the midfielder has grown and expanded his skill set with them.
Others like Xavier Simons can do the same, and he is also one of the highly-rated talents we have in the academy. However, his contract is up this summer, and we must find a solution to the current sanction imposed on the club so that we can facilitate a renewal for him.
More Chelsea News
- Chelsea and Antonio Rudiger had an agreement over personal demands before the sanctions
- Transfer News: Barcelona hope Chelsea will not trigger unilateral clause in Cesar Azpilicueta contract
- Arsenal enter race to sign Real Madrid star Eden Hazard as Chelsea end pursuit
While we have lost out on Collyer, let’s hope that the club has plans to protect our long term future by keeping hold of Gilmour and Simons, who can certainly help us in the future.