Medical scheduled: Middlesbrough star given the go-ahead to join his new club after a record fee was agreed.

Middlesbrough have given Morgan Whittaker permission to travel to the United States and undergo a medical with Colorado Rapids, with the MLS side closing in on a club-record deal for the winger.

Sources have told Football Insider that Colorado have agreed terms for the 25-year-old, who is now heading across the Atlantic to complete his medical before putting the final details of the transfer in place.

If everything goes according to plan, Whittaker will become a Designated Player for Colorado Rapids. That status means he will be among the club’s highest-paid players, with MLS rules allowing each team to have up to three Designated Players whose wages can exceed the league’s standard salary restrictions.

The Middlesbrough winger could therefore join an exclusive group of high-profile players in Major League Soccer. Lionel Messi, Son Heung-min and Robert Lewandowski are among the biggest names currently occupying Designated Player spots at their respective clubs.

Despite receiving interest from several teams in England and elsewhere in Europe, Whittaker is understood to be keen on taking the opportunity to continue his career in MLS.

The agreement between Middlesbrough and Colorado Rapids is also set to surpass the American club’s existing transfer record, which currently stands at £6 million. That underlines the scale of the investment being made in the English winger.

Whittaker still has a contract with Middlesbrough that runs until 2029, but Boro have nevertheless agreed to allow him to leave for a significant fee before the transfer window closes.

Why Middlesbrough Are Allowing Whittaker To Leave

Whittaker’s potential departure comes as something of a surprise considering how important he has been to Middlesbrough at the beginning of the current campaign.

Earlier this summer, Football Insider reported that the winger could potentially be available for what was described as a bargain fee, prompting several clubs from England and Scotland to monitor his situation.

Colorado Rapids have ultimately acted faster than their competitors and moved to secure an agreement.

The 25-year-old has already started all five of Middlesbrough’s matches across every competition this season, demonstrating that he remains a regular part of Kim Hellberg’s plans.

However, Hellberg has never completely ruled out the possibility of Whittaker leaving the Riverside Stadium.

Speculation surrounding his future has continued throughout the summer, with Middlesbrough prepared to listen to offers if the right proposal arrived.

That opportunity has now presented itself in the form of Colorado Rapids.

The American club’s willingness to pay a substantial fee has seemingly convinced Middlesbrough to sanction the transfer, even though Whittaker remains under contract for several more years.

His departure could nevertheless leave Hellberg with a significant problem to solve.

Whittaker Leaves After Productive Championship Season

Whittaker enjoyed an impressive individual campaign last season and was one of Middlesbrough’s more productive attacking players.

The winger scored 14 goals and registered seven assists across 40 Championship appearances, contributing 21 direct goal involvements during the campaign.

Those numbers demonstrate why there has been considerable interest in his services.

Whittaker has also started the new season regularly, making his imminent departure even more significant for Boro.

While Middlesbrough will receive a sizeable transfer fee, replacing an attacking player capable of producing goals and assists could prove difficult, particularly with the transfer window approaching its conclusion.

The club will therefore have to weigh the financial benefits of the agreement against the potential impact his departure could have on their ambitions this season.

For Colorado Rapids, meanwhile, the deal represents an opportunity to add a proven attacking player who is still only 25 years old.

Colorado Beat Competition For Whittaker

Colorado Rapids have managed to complete the move despite interest from a number of better-known clubs.

Several Championship sides had monitored Whittaker during the summer, including West Ham, Burnley and Wolves.

However, none of those clubs ultimately decided to make a move for the winger.

That allowed Colorado to push ahead and secure an agreement late in the transfer window.

The Rapids’ decision to make Whittaker a Designated Player demonstrates their confidence in his ability to make an impact in MLS.

The club are also prepared to make him their most expensive signing ever, surpassing the previous £6 million record.

For Whittaker, the move offers a fresh challenge and an opportunity to become a major player in American football.

Why English Clubs Were Hesitant

Although Whittaker’s statistics have been impressive, there were still reservations among some of his potential suitors in England.

Former West Ham scout Mick Brown previously warned Football Insider that the Hammers should approach a possible deal carefully.

One reason for the hesitation is Whittaker’s career history.

Despite being only 25, he has already represented four clubs on permanent deals and spent time elsewhere on two loan spells.

That has raised questions about whether he has ever fully established himself at one club for a sustained period.

There have also been concerns about aspects of his game beyond his attacking statistics.

Questions surrounding his work rate have previously been raised, while some observers have suggested that he can occasionally be too individualistic when in possession.

Those concerns may have contributed to English clubs deciding against making formal offers.

Colorado Rapids, however, appear to have viewed the situation differently.

Rather than focusing on those concerns, the MLS side have placed their faith in Whittaker’s attacking ability and are prepared to make a record financial commitment to bring him to the United States.

A Major Move For Whittaker

The impending transfer represents a major change in direction for Whittaker.

He will leave Middlesbrough despite having several years remaining on his contract and after establishing himself as an important attacking option.

The fact that Colorado have agreed to pay more than their previous club-record fee demonstrates just how highly they value him.

Whittaker is now expected to undergo his medical in the United States before completing the remaining formalities.

Assuming there are no problems during the checks, the deal should then be formally confirmed.

For Middlesbrough, the transfer provides a substantial financial return but also removes one of their leading attacking contributors.

For Colorado Rapids, it is an ambitious signing that could give their attack a significant boost.

After attracting interest from clubs in England and Europe, Whittaker has ultimately chosen a new adventure in MLS.

His medical is now the next major step, with the winger seemingly on the verge of completing a record-breaking move to Colorado.