Morgan Whittaker is in discussions to leave Middlesbrough for a move to Major League Soccer with Colorado Rapids. The forward, who was Middlesbrough's top scorer last season, could command a fee exceeding the Rapids' current transfer record of £6 million, according to a report from Plymouth Live this week.
Plymouth Argyle hold a significant interest in any potential deal. The club inserted a sell-on clause when they sold Whittaker to Middlesbrough in January 2025, entitling them to a portion of any profit Boro make on the player. This comes as Argyle focus on their own campaign, currently sitting 16th in League One with four points from four games and a standings table showing a goal difference of minus two.
What is Morgan Whittaker's transfer history?
Morgan Whittaker's journey to this point is well-known to Argyle supporters. He initially joined the club from Swansea City in 2023 for a then-club record fee of £1 million, following a successful loan spell. His impact was immediate and profound. In his first full season at Home Park, he scored 20 goals in 50 appearances across all competitions and earned a place in the Championship Team of the Season.
His form attracted Middlesbrough, who signed him in the January 2025 transfer window. The deal was reported as a free transfer worth up to £7.5 million, comprising a £5 million base fee with £2.5 million in potential add-ons. He scored four goals for Argyle before that mid-season departure.
How would a transfer affect Plymouth Argyle?
The financial implications for Argyle are clear. The sell-on clause means the club stands to receive a windfall if Middlesbrough sell Whittaker for more than they paid. With Colorado Rapids needing to break their own transfer record to secure him, any final agreement could see a substantial sum return to Home Park. This potential income arrives as the team prepares for its next fixtures, an away match against Doncaster Rovers on September 5th.
Argyle's current season has seen them score four goals but concede six, leaving them six points behind early league leaders Huddersfield Town. The potential funds from a Whittaker deal could be viewed as a timely boost for the squad.
What did Middlesbrough's manager say?
Amid the speculation, Middlesbrough manager Kim Hellberg remained tight-lipped. Speaking at a pre-match press conference ahead of his side's fixture against Burnley, he declined to comment on Whittaker's future or any further signings. "Like always in England, the last day is chaos with rumours everywhere," Hellberg said. "I don't know what rumours to say yes to or no to."
He added further context about the unpredictable nature of deadline day. "Things can happen quickly with anyone. It's going to be difficult for me to answer any questions around that." Teesside Live reported that the precise fee for the potential move remains unclear, though it would need to surpass the Rapids' record outlay.
Where does this leave Plymouth Argyle?
For Argyle, the situation is one of watchful waiting. The club's direct involvement is financial, rooted in a shrewd piece of business conducted 20 months ago. While the first team battles in League One, with details on the full squad available, the possibility of additional revenue from a former star's big-money move to the United States is a subplot to the season. The team's immediate focus is their upcoming league encounter away at 20th-placed Doncaster this Saturday.
