Morgan Whittaker pay details emerge as Middlesbrough exit stance becomes clear

Fresh reports from Turkey have linked Middlesbrough winger Morgan Whittaker with a potential summer switch to Trabzonspor, although any suggestion of an imminent transfer appears premature.

The Turkish side are said to admire the 25-year-old attacker after an impressive Championship campaign in which he registered 14 goals and seven assists, further strengthening his reputation as one of the division’s standout attacking threats.

Whittaker only joined Middlesbrough in January 2025 in a deal reportedly worth £5 million from Plymouth Argyle and quickly established himself as a key figure at the Riverside.

Despite speculation from abroad, The Northern Echo reports that Trabzonspor have yet to make any formal approach, with talks not believed to be at an advanced stage.

Any move could also prove difficult financially. Middlesbrough are understood to value Whittaker significantly above Trabzonspor’s current transfer record, which sits at roughly £7.5 million, making a deal far from straightforward.

The winger also remains firmly tied to Boro after signing a four-and-a-half-year contract upon arrival from Plymouth, keeping him at the club until the summer of 2029.

At the time of his move, Whittaker made it clear Middlesbrough matched his ambitions, telling BBC Radio Tees that the club was the “perfect” next step for his career — comments that still appear relevant given the lack of concrete developments surrounding his future.

As is often the case with players of Whittaker’s quality, transfer rumours are expected, though reports emerging from Turkish media are often treated cautiously unless supported by stronger sources.

In terms of wages, estimates from Capology suggest Whittaker earns around £25,000 per week at Middlesbrough, equating to approximately £1.3 million annually — a major increase from his reported £7,500 weekly salary during his Plymouth days.

That figure would still place him comfortably within Trabzonspor’s wage structure rather than among the club’s highest earners. Former defender Stefan Savic reportedly tops the salary list on more than £66,000 per week, while ex-West Brom midfielder Okay Yokuslu is also believed to earn more than Whittaker.

However, while wages may not present a major obstacle, the transfer fee Middlesbrough would likely demand appears the biggest stumbling block for any potential move.

It remains unclear exactly how much Boro would want for Whittaker, though reports suggesting teammate Hayden Hackney could command at least £10 million have already sparked debate among supporters over player valuations.