Middlesbrough forward Morgan Whittaker is set to complete a club-record transfer to MLS side Colorado Rapids this week. The 25-year-old is scheduled for a medical ahead of the move.
According to the Hartlepool Mail, the deal could see Whittaker depart before the MLS summer transfer window closes on Wednesday night. His potential exit comes as Middlesbrough, currently 5th in the Championship with six points from three games, prepare for a crucial away fixture against Burnley on Wednesday.
The Athletic revealed the Rapids had submitted a club record bid for the 25-year-old. Whittaker joined Boro in a reported £7 million deal in January last year. During his time at the Riverside, he made 66 appearances across all competitions, scoring 14 goals and providing nine assists.
Who could replace Whittaker at Middlesbrough?
Sky Sports have claimed Middlesbrough could look to replace Whittaker with the loan signing of Brighton and Hove Albion’s Amario Cozier-Duberry. Talks between the two clubs are said to have progressed in recent days, with a move now nearing completion.
The 21-year-old winger joined Brighton in the summer of 2024 but has made just one senior appearance for the Seagulls. He has gained more experience during loan spells with Blackburn Rovers and Bolton Wanderers, making a combined 64 appearances for those Championship clubs. Cozier-Duberry began his career at Arsenal but did not make a first-team debut for the Gunners.
How does this affect Boro's season start?
Middlesbrough's pursuit of a replacement comes during a solid start to their Championship campaign. They sit 5th in the table, just three points behind leaders Charlton Athletic. Michael Carrick's side have scored six goals and conceded four in their opening three matches, giving them a positive goal difference as they build momentum.
You can track their progress and upcoming matches on our standings and fixtures pages. The potential arrival of Cozier-Duberry would add another option to an attack that has already shown promise this season.
What other business did Boro complete?
Middlesbrough confirmed one other piece of deadline day business, securing the signing of teenage defender Abdul Okunola from Southampton. The 19-year-old, who started his career at Chelsea, joined Southampton in the summer of 2023 and signed his first professional contract last year.
Okunola moved to Teesside over the weekend and made his debut for Mark Tinkler's Under-21s side on Monday night. He featured in their 3-1 defeat at Premier League 2 rivals Bournemouth. His arrival adds depth to the defensive options available within the club's development squad.
When is Middlesbrough's next match?
The immediate focus for the first team shifts to their next Championship fixture. They travel to face Burnley at Turf Moor on Wednesday, September 2nd. Burnley currently sit 22nd in the table, making this an important opportunity for Boro to build on their strong early-season form. The potential outgoing of Whittaker and incoming of Cozier-Duberry could be finalized ahead of that match.
