Real Salt Lake Continues Off-Season Makeover With Matt Crooks Transfer
Jan 10, 2025, 2:27 PM
CHESTER, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 27: Matt Crooks #25 of Real Salt Lake and Nathan Harriel #26 of Philadelphia Union challenge for the ball during the first half at Subaru Park on April 27, 2024 in Chester, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
SANDY, Utah – Real Salt Lake has agreed to a transfer deal with Hull City A.F.C., sending midfielder Matt Crooks to the EFL Championship second-level team. It is the second move of the day for RSL. The club reportedly sent leading goal-scorer Chicho Arango to the San Jose Earthquakes.
The sale became official on Friday, January 10. Terms of the deal have not been disclosed.
“During this past season with Real Salt Lake, Matt truly embraced our Club,” RSL Chief Soccer Officer Kurt Schmid said of Crooks. “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.”
RELATED: Real Salt Lake Announces 2025 Schedule
Grateful for your time in claret & cobalt, Crooksy. We’ll always appreciate the impact you left on the 801.
Best of luck with Hull City!!
— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) January 10, 2025
Assuming reports of the Chicho trade are accurate, Real Salt Lake will open the 2025 season with their top three scorers from a 2024 playoff team. 21-year-old striker Andrés Gómez left for Stade Rennais in the French Ligue 1. Add in the Anderson Julio trade to FC Dallas, and the Claret & Cobalt lose a hefty 29 goals from last season.
RELATED: RSL Makes Three Selections In MLS SuperDraft First Round
Crooks, the 2024 Jordan Guernsey Humanitarian of the Year winner, finished with three goals and four assists last season.
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Brian Preece is a KSLsports.com insider covering Locals in MLB and the Salt Lake Bees. Follow Brian’s Bees and Beehive baseball coverage here.
