Morgan Whittaker revealed that he was eager to sign with the Colorado Rapids because he felt wanted by the team.
The attacker left Middlesbrough in the final hours of the summer transfer window for a reported $10.7 (£7.9) million.
The 25-year-old was a steady feature in the side last season, helping the Teessiders reach the play-off final under Kim Hellberg.
He produced 14 goals and seven assists in 40 regular league appearances, but it was insufficient to help the club win promotion to the Premier League.
The team lost in both the semi-finals and the final, despite being awarded a trip to Wembley due to Southampton’s elimination from the competition.
Whittaker played in the first three games of the season, as well as the first and second rounds of the EFL Cup, before moving to MLS.
Morgan Whittaker talks up about his Middlesbrough leave.
Whittaker stated that he wanted to sign with Colorado because he felt desired by manager Matt Wells, which appealed to him, as well as their style of play.
He sees the transfer to the United States as a new challenge, and he’s glad he decided to leave Middlesbrough.
“I think when I heard from the manager and how excited he was [to have me], and his playing style,” Whittaker stated on the Colorado Rapids’ YouTube account.
“It was simply the feeling of being wanted.
“Having a new challenge was really exciting for me, and I’m just really happy that I chose to come here.”
Whittaker is also enthusiastic about the idea of challenging himself in MLS, since the division’s standard has improved in recent years, and he now wants to be one of the best players to have competed for the club.
“The MLS has come a long way from when it first started, and I think you see that with the amount of English players that are coming here, and also the amount of American players that are being sold to the UK,” he said.
“It demonstrates the league, its level, and where it is going.
“I believe it’s a very exciting place to be.
Morgan Whittaker – Middlesbrough league goals and appearances (source: Fbref.com)
Season
Appearances (starts)
Goals (Assists).
2024-25
16 (11)
0 (1)
2025-26
40 (35)
14 (7)
2026-27
3
0 (1)
“During my time here, I hope to be remembered as one of the best players to ever play for the Rapids. As a group, I want to assist the club win as many trophies as possible and establish a lasting legacy here.”
Whittaker joined Middlesbrough from Plymouth Argyle in January 2025, and he played an important role under Hellberg.
Despite his goal-scoring efforts previous season, when the squad nearly missed promotion back to the Premier League, he was chastised by fans.
How Middlesbrough supporters responded to Morgan Whittaker’s departure
Middlesbrough fans had mixed feelings after learning Whittaker had left the club, with some claiming his performance in the play-off final tainted his reputation.
Fans believe he did not reach the heights many expected of him, but they remain grateful for his contributions to the squad over the last 18 months or so.
Morgan Whittaker’s departure was beneficial for all parties.
While Whittaker appeared to have Hellberg’s devotion, it was evident that his connection with the crowd was less positive.
A move away from the Riverside, and perhaps out of England, may be the best option for the 25-year-old at this point in his career.
He developed a reputation for being technically skilled but not very committed to the more physical aspects of the game, making him something of a luxury player.
Middlesbrough will miss his attacking ability, but it is also more difficult to justify maintaining someone who will not put in as much effort on the field to benefit the squad as a whole.
xz
