Official: Matt Crooks is headed back to England after one year with Real Salt Lake
The affable Englishman player a significant role in his lone season on the Wasatch Front after signing from Middlesbrough.
Matt Crooks’ time with Real Salt Lake was short.
The club announced Friday the transfer of the 30-year-old Englishman to second-division English Championship side Hull City, effective immediately. RSL did not release terms of the deal.
Hull Live reports that Crooks is returning to his native country on a 2.5-year contract, which could press him into action as early as next weekend against Millwall.
“I’m grateful to Salt Lake for the experience and what they were able to give me; it was something I always wanted to do as a kid, and that’s one thing ticked off that I always wanted to do,” Crooks said after his signing at MKM Stadium. “I’m thankful I went over but also happy to be here. I learned a lot about myself and I’m trying to be a leader.”
But Crooks’ departure is significant, despite only one season he played in MLS. The veteran midfielder started 23 of his 29 appearances during the regular season, with the 6-foot-5 midfielder also playing a role in Open Cup, Leagues Cup and the MLS Cup Playoff series against Minnesota.
Perhaps he’ll be most remembered for his dramatic game-winner in a 4-3 road win over Sporting Kansas City in June, or the game-winning assist he provided in his RSL debut against Saint Louis among the three-goal, five-assist performance he had.
Crooks was also honored by the club as the team’s 2024 Jordan Guernsey Humanitarian of the Year for his involvement in community work in both Utah and his native England. The lengthy midfielder called “Tree” helped fund a local soccer league in Utah in conjunction with Catholic Community Services, and also spent time volunteering with the Utah Food Bank, Special Olympics of Utah, and Primary Children’s Hospital, among others.
“During this past season with Real Salt Lake, Matt truly embraced our club,” said RSL chief soccer officer Kurt Schmid. “Helping Matt return to the comforts of home is the right thing for all parties, and we wish him nothing but the best of luck in his career. Matt and his family will always be welcome at Real Salt Lake.”
RSL opens the 2024 preseason Monday at Zions Bank Training Center in Herriman, one of 10 MLS teams that will be competing in the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup. They’ll return to continental competition for the first time in a decade Feb. 19 against CS Herediano in Costa Rica.
The club opens the regular season Feb. 22 at San Jose Earthquakes.