Real Salt Lake Announces Signing Of English Midfielder
Feb 12, 2024, 2:04 PM
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 23: Levi Colwill of Chelsea battles for possession with Matt Crooks of Middlesbrough during the Carabao Cup Semi Final Second Leg match between Chelsea and Middlesbrough at Stamford Bridge on January 23, 2024 in London, England.
SANDY, Utah – Real Salt Lake isn’t done adding to its roster, inking versatile English midfielder Matt Crooks to a transfer deal through 2026.
RSL Chief Soccer Officer Kurt Schmid announced the signing of the 30-year-old Crooks on Monday, February 12.
““Everyone on the technical staff and in the front office are quite excited to welcome Matt Crooks to Salt Lake,” Schmid said. “Matt is a player that should fit in very well on and off the field. He brings size and veteran leadership. He has good feet and his awareness on both sides of the ball really stands out.”
Signed, sealed, & delivered from across the pond.
— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) February 12, 2024
Playing for Middlesbrough since July 2021, Crooks has amassed 56 goals and 22 assists in 115 League One appearances. He had three goals and six assists this season before the transfer.
“Crooks is always very involved in the final third, always in the mix with the ability to score and set things up. He can combine well and he’s willing to do the work with and without the ball. We always look for good characters and players who will fit in the locker room. He is a good cultural fit and a high-character person that should translate his experiences and skills to MLS.”
The first time he takes the pitch, the 6’4 Crooks will join Kenny Deuchar, Jamison Olave and Kevon Lambert as the tallest players in the club’s history.
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