Middlesbrough FC transfer news: Third former Columbus Crew player signs up
Max Arfsten has become the third former Columbus Crew player to join Middlesbrough and the second to make the cross-over this summer.
Arfsten's time at Columbus did not coincide with Sebastian Berhalter's, but the pair both appeared for the United States of America in this summer's World Cup.
They will link up with midfielder Aiden Morris, who bridged the gap between the two at Columbus but was surprisingly overlooked by Mauricio Pochettino.
Morris has been on Teesside for two years, and played an important part in bringing 25-year-old Arfsten over.
"The ambitions of the club, how they are as people, and just the vision and the direction of where this club is going is super-intriguing to me," he told his new club's website after signing a four-year contract.
“I’ve been wanting to come here for some time and now I just can’t wait to train with the team and hit the ground running.”
Morris in particular was important in educating him on life at the Riverside.
“Aidan especially has been telling me about the style of play, the culture of the club and the fanbase here," said Arfsten.
“Having both Aidan and Seb here will make the transition easier, because it’s always a big deal signing for a new club.
“I’m just excited to have a new challenge and I’m looking forward to getting going.”
Arfsten's only World Cup appearance was in his country's 4-1 defeat to Belgium but he has considerable Major League Soccer pedigree having twice played in the All-Star Games and won the Cup (2023) and League Cup (2024) at Columbus.
A left-footer who has been playing at left wing-back for his club since the World Cup but has also appeared on the right of midfield, he could find himself being the replacement for Matt Targett, who joined Hull City at the end of his loan.