The Columbus Crew announced Friday that the Club has transferred Aidan Morris to Middlesbrough FC, of the English Football Championship. Morris becomes the first Homegrown player from the Club to be transferred to a European Club. The fee is undisclosed and Columbus will retain a percentage of any future fees for the midfielder.

Morris joined the Crew Academy in 2017, then earned a spot on the senior team where he made 83 regular season MLS matches (67 starts), tallying six goals and 14 assists. During the Black & Gold’s 2020 and 2023 MLS Cup campaigns, Morris started all seven matches and played for all 90 minutes.

“Watching Aidan’s growth as a player and person during his time at the Crew has been a true privilege, and we greatly appreciate his dedication to the Club and our City,” exclaimed General Manager Issa Tall.

“Aidan has always been focused on learning and improving, and he’s an exceptional role model for our Academy players. We are proud of what Aidan accomplished individually and with our Club as he made a significant impact in the Crew’s history. He always aspired to play in Europe and earned the opportunity, and we look forward to him further displaying his form and character as he joins Middlesbrough.”

The Ft. Lauderdale, Florida native joined Columbus on a homegrown contract in 2020, making his MLS debut during a commanding 4-0 win over FC Cincinnati in the MLS Is Back Tournament held at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida.

During his rookie season, Morris appeared in 10 games, recording two starts under former head coach Caleb Porter. Morris then became the youngest player in MLS history to start an MLS Cup at the age of 19-years and 27-days old.

“I’m just so blessed. My heart is Black & Gold,” said Morris after the Club’s 4-0 win over Sporting Kansas City last Saturday. “It’s been an amazing ride. Besides from all the MLS Cups, I’ve created amazing relationships here with amazing people, and that goes a lot more of a way than winning.”

“I can’t thank the Crew fans enough, the organization, Issa and Tim.”

Morris played all 30 regular season games in which he appeared last year, recording career highs in both goals (four) and assists (seven).

“This is an important moment for both Aidan and our Club,” said Tall. “We pride ourselves on having a player pathway in place that identifies and cultivates talent. In addition to his personal commitment, Aidan’s transfer is a credit to the entire Club’s efforts to developing players who can compete at a high level.”

Middlesbrough FC begins its preseason with a match against Bolton Wanderers on July 20. Columbus are back in action tomorrow as they travel to take on the New England Revolution.