How is ex-Middlesbrough FC star Matt Crooks getting on in the USA? | OneFootball

The midfielder made the move across the pond in February, leaving Boro to sign for MLS side Real Salt Lake.

Matt Crooks left Middlesbrough in February to sign with MLS side Real Salt Lake, putting an end to an almost three-year spell with Boro.

The towering attacking player signed a three-year deal with the Utah state side, as Middlesbrough received what was reported as being a "significant fee" for the 30-year-old.

Crooks was signed by Boro from Rotherham back in July 2021, with the Teessiders understood to have parted with around £1m to bring the versatile forward to the Riverside Stadium.

He would go on to make 115 appearances for the club, scoring 23 times and providing 15 assists during his time in the North East, which saw him develop into a cult-figure among Boro supporters.

So when it was announced that he'd be leaving to head Stateside, the news was met with a certain level of sadness on Teesside. Football League World takes a look at how Crooks has been faring across the pond since his Middlesbrough exit.

Crooks has played important role for Real Salt Lake

Crooks has settled into an important role within Pablo Mastroeni's Real Salt Lake side, predominantly seen operating from a central attacking midfield role that Middlesbrough fans grew accustomed to seeing him perform in a Boro shirt.

As of Tuesday 17 September, Crooks has made 25 appearances in all competitions, with 18 of his 23 MLS appearances being in the starting lineup, whilst he's also started both of his Leagues Cup displays too.

With two goals and three assists during that spell, the former Boro man hasn't quite been able to get amongst as many goals as he'd of liked and probably expected, but he did score the fifth-fastest goal in Salt Lake's history, netting after one minute vs Atlanta United in early July.

With the MLS regular season coming to an end in late October, Salt Lake currently sit in a play-off place in the Western Conference, as Crooks will be desperate to contribute more in attack to help his side secure a play-off place.

Crooks has been getting involved in the Salt Lake community

One of the biggest contributing factors as to why Middlesbrough fans developed such a close bond with Crooks was his infectious character, and his willingness to throw himself into the Teesside community.

In his parting message to the Middlesbrough fans, Crooks wrote: "When first joining, I remember saying ‘it’s Middlesbrough’, and I haven’t been disappointed, what a club.

Only six months ago, I described this place as home and that it will remain. But life is short and we only get one go at it, and to have the chance to experience football and life in another country with my family was one I was keen to take up.

"Aside from the football, I must place thanks to you all who have supported the Jordan Sinnott Foundation Trust from the minute I arrived. We have been able to raise incredible amounts of money together and I hope you continue to keep an eye on what we do. Hair is fine, can’t question it. Belters, all the time? Not sure. Up the burrow, Tree."

Crooks has been seen sampling a Utah Jazz basketball game, whilst also exploring what the Salt Lake City community has to offer as he settles into his new surroundings.

His personality off the pitch and commitment on the pitch will no doubt endear him to Salt Lake supporters, as he looks to craft a similar rapport with them as he did with from his time with Middlesbrough, and indeed, the fans of his former sides in England such as Rotherham.