Morgan Whittaker has officially departed from Middlesbrough to join Major League Soccer's Colorado Rapids. The 25-year-old forward has signed a three-year contract with the Rapids, who also hold an option for an additional year. The financial details of the transfer remain undisclosed.
Whittaker's journey to Colorado comes after a notable stint at Middlesbrough, where he joined in January 2025 from Plymouth Argyle for a fee of £5 million. During his time at Boro, he made a significant impact by scoring 14 goals across 66 appearances, ultimately finishing as the club's top scorer last season.
At the start of the current season, Whittaker had participated in five matches for Middlesbrough, including starting all three of their Championship fixtures leading up to their victory against West Bromwich Albion on August 29. His move to the Rapids adds a new chapter to his career as he takes on one of the Designated Player slots at the club, which is currently positioned seventh in the Western Conference standings.
The Colorado Rapids, managed by English coach Matt Wells, are looking to bolster their squad as they aim for a strong finish in the league. Whittaker's addition comes at a crucial time, as the team seeks to improve their performance in the ongoing season.
Whittaker's tenure at Middlesbrough was marked by ups and downs. After initially struggling to find the back of the net in his first 16 matches, he eventually broke his scoring drought with a goal against Ipswich Town. This sparked a remarkable run where he netted eight goals in just 12 appearances, including a streak of six consecutive matches. Despite his efforts, Middlesbrough's aspirations for promotion to the Premier League fell short as they missed out on the play-offs.
In the wake of Whittaker's departure, Middlesbrough has been active in the transfer market, bringing in 12 new players this summer. Among these signings is on-loan Brighton winger Amario Cozier-Duberry, who joined the club on deadline day. The influx of new talent suggests that Boro is focused on rebuilding and enhancing their squad for the upcoming challenges in the Championship.
Whittaker's move to the Colorado Rapids not only signifies a new beginning for him in the MLS but also reflects the growing trend of players transitioning from European leagues to American soccer, seeking fresh opportunities and challenges in a different environment.
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