Matt Crooks has now said his farewell to Middlesbrough, sealing an unexpected move to MLS side Real Salt Lake.
Crooks, 30, leaves Middlesbrough after nearly three years at the Riverside, joining Utah club Real Salt Lake on a three-year deal.
The Englishman joined from Rotherham United in 2021 and enjoyed a prolific first season at the club, scoring 10 from midfield in 40 Championship outings.
He netted seven in the league the following season and three in this current Championship season, eventually leaving with a record of 115 total appearances, 23 goals and 15 assists.
Crooks was a hugely popular figure among Boro fans and among his former teammates too.
Middlesbrough players say goodbye to Matt Crooks
Middlesbrough posted Crooks a warming farewell message yesterday, with Crooks having a lot to say to the club and the fans.
And Crooks’ recent post on Instagram has also garnered quite a reaction, with several of his former Middlesbrough teammates saying their farewell after Crooks wrote ‘Thanks for everything’.
Among those were Marcus Tavernier, Marcus Forss, Tommy Smith, Aaron Ramsey, and Josh Coburn, as well as former Boro loanee Rodrigo Muniz who posted ‘All the best hermano’, and now Aston Villa man Morgan Rogers who wrote ‘Living legend, go smash it my mate’.
A big miss for Boro
Crooks’ exit has certainly shone a light on just how popular he was among everyone involved at the club.
He was a player who scored some hugely important and memorable goals, also being a player who gave everything for the shirt, often playing in unfamiliar roles but always showcasing his desire and genuine ability.
Crooks’ is certainly a player who could’ve spent a few more years playing at a high level for Middlesbrough, but he wants a new challenge and everyone has wished him well.
For Michael Carrick though, losing Crooks so soon after losing Rogers is certainly a blow, and it could put a huge dent in their top six hopes this season.
Attacking players are very thin on the ground now, with added pressure on players like Forss, Coburn, and Sam Greenwood to really step up and start scoring the goals that Boro need.
Carrick though continues to find a way to get the best out of his side and many will still hold hope that Middlesbrough can knick themselves a spot in the top six this season.
Up next is a trip to Preston North End tomorrow night, with kick off at 7:45pm.