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When Sebastian Berhalter dropped to one knee during a remixed version of Taylor Swift's "Love Story" back in July 2020, he could never have imagined reuniting with his dance partner, Aidan Morris, six years later on the other side of the Atlantic.
Both products of the Columbus Crew academy, Berhalter and Morris shared their first professional season together in MLS that year. While Morris stayed with the club through 2024, Berhalter moved on to Austin FC and then Vancouver Whitecaps, where he developed into one of the league's standout midfielders.
Six years after filming that TikTok dance as teenagers during the COVID-19 pandemic, the pair are finally teammates once again. Berhalter completed his transfer from Vancouver to Middlesbrough last month, linking up with Morris as the club targets Premier League promotion in 2026–27.
Middlesbrough's new midfield pic.twitter.com/3J05F1AxeT
"I've seen the TikTok has resurfaced, and it's all good fun — that was just me and Aidan when we were younger, just being kids," Berhalter said in his first interview following the completed transfer. The clip has gone viral, with English supporters only now discovering the American duo's dance floor talents.
"He's my best friend. I've known him since I was 15 years old... We've stayed in contact ever since, and I'm so happy that he made the move over here. I've been following his entire journey and I think he's been doing the same for me. To be reunited is something that's almost surreal to say out loud, but I couldn't be more excited."
Making the Move to Middlesbrough
Berhalter arrives at Middlesbrough having scored 26 goals and registered 32 assists across 167 career appearances for Vancouver, helping the side reach the 2025 MLS Cup and Concacaf Champions Cup final while claiming three Canadian Championship titles. Off the back of that impressive résumé, the now 25-year-old has become a valuable option for the USMNT and netted against Türkiye at the 2026 World Cup.
A move to Europe, however, had long been a personal ambition. With his Whitecaps contract due to expire at the end of 2026, the club raised no objections when the opportunity arose. Holding a British passport and having been born in London, the transition was made all the more seamless for Berhalter.
Morris played a key role in recruiting Berhalter to Middlesbrough.
Best friends reuniting at @Boro. 🤝 https://t.co/PLNGgQ27Wq pic.twitter.com/KVZaDscJai
"It feels brilliant to be here," Berhalter added. "I've been keeping a close eye on the club for the past two years because of Aidan, and I really fell in love with them — especially over the last year, watching the way they play and the way they compete.
"He told me all about the club and what it stands for. He told me how much the supporters embrace everything here and how they take you in. That's something I really wanted to experience... In MLS the pressure exists, but it's certainly not the same intensity. I want to feel that, especially with Aidan by my side."
Impressive Preseason Debut
Arriving at the Teesside club straight after the World Cup, Berhalter wasted no time adapting to the tempo of Middlesbrough's preseason, with the club's EFL Championship opener against Wrexham scheduled for Aug. 7.
Facing La Liga's RCD Espanyol on Friday, Berhalter impressed with his delivery, whipping in a cross for a diving Leo Casteldine that was ruled out for offside, before producing a clever spinning back-heel flick to fashion a chance less than 10 minutes later.
With Middlesbrough trailing 3–2, Berhalter delivered a precise corner kick that Castledine headed home to earn a 3–3 draw against the Spanish opposition.
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"He has only been with us for one week, so that makes things difficult, but you can already see the quality from set pieces and also in open play — and he will only get better," manager Kim Hellberg said of Berhalter's preseason bow. "We see a talented lad who works hard, who wants a lot, who wants to train and who wants to fight. He's a very welcome addition, and we just need to give him a little time to keep developing."
Having suffered defeat to Hull City in the EFL Championship playoff final last season, Middlesbrough are hopeful that Berhalter can be the missing piece that propels them to the next level and into the 2027–28 Premier League.