Update on Morgan Whittaker situation at Middlesbrough emerges as £10.6m transfer looms | OneFootball

Middlesbrough remain confident that Morgan Whittaker's move to Colorado Rapids will be completed despite the English transfer deadline having passed.

Middlesbrough's summer transfer business may not be done just yet, with the club still waiting for Morgan Whittaker's proposed move to Colorado Rapids to be completed.

On deadline day, the 25-year-old emerged as a shock candidate to leave the Riverside, with the MLS side agreeing a deal that would see the winger move to the United States.

Whittaker underwent a medical in London on deadline day, but the deal was not confirmed before the English window closed at 11 pm.

Boro are not concerned though, with the Teessiders remaining confident that Whittaker will become a Colorado player before the MLS deadline.

Middlesbrough confident in Morgan Whittaker move - When does MLS window shut?

Action Images

According to The Northern Echo, Boro have agreed terms for a permanent move, with the Rapids set to pay an initial fee of £10.6 million, or $13m.

The attacker completed his medical in London on Tuesday and did not travel with the squad ahead of Wednesday's clash with Burnley, with the move his priority.

Crucially, the report says Boro submitted all relevant paperwork before the September 1 deadline, while Colorado still has to complete its side of the deal.

Crucially, the MLS transfer window remains open until 11:59pm Eastern Time on Wednesday 2 September, just before 5am GMT.

The deal is set to be a record one for the American side. At the same time, Middlesbrough have already prepared for the departure by completing a loan deal for Amario Cozier-Duberry, who signed a new three-year contract with Brighton before the move.

The winger impressed during a loan spell with Bolton in League One last season, while Rangers midfielder Connor Barron has also arrived on loan.

How Middlesbrough fans have reacted to pending Morgan Whittaker exit

Making the move from Plymouth in January 2025, Whittaker has endured a hit-and-miss spell at the Riverside, though he did improve tenfold last season with 21 goal contributions.

With a move to the USA on the cards, some Boro fans have reacted positively to the news, with one fan on X saying: "Morgan Whittaker is someone who came to the club with a glass half empty & a glass half full. It be what it be. He had his moments & good luck to the fella."

Others would criticise Whittaker for his time at Middlesbrough, suggesting that a move is for the best.

"There are luxury players, and then there are luxury players. Hoddle and Le Tissier could justify it because they had enough magic to change a game. Morgan Whittaker simply doesn't have enough luxury to justify being a luxury player. When it isn't going his way, he's invisible."

The arrival of Cozier-Duberry would also play a big part in the supporters' thinking.

Before the move was sorted, one supporter said: "I hope this Amario Cozier-Duberry deal is done because this lad his talented, has pace to burn. I'm excited about this one. I don't know much about Connor Barron from Rangers, but I'd welcome it. As for Morgan Whittaker, I'm happy he's going because he's frustrating in games."

Pressure is on Amario Cozier-Duberry after Morgan Whittaker move

Action images

After excelling for Bolton last season, the pressure is on new wideman Cozier-Duberry to succeed.

As frustrating as Whittaker was at times, he put up 21 goal contributions last season, and that figure is not easy to replace.

Cozier-Duberry is an exciting youngster, but he is yet to play in the Championship and may need time to settle. If it works, it could be a masterstroke for Middlesbrough, but as mentioned, replacing that many contributions is not simple.