Just weeks after competing with the U.S. Men’s National Team in the World Cup, Fresno native Max Arfsten is heading to England.
The Columbus Crew announced that Arfsten has transferred to Middlesbrough for a $7.5 million fee.
What we’re watching: Arfsten will join a Middlesbrough squad looking to gain promotion to the English Premier League this season after a promising 2025-2026 campaign.
Middlesbrough came in fifth place in the EFL Championship – England’s second-tier soccer league – last season and lost to Hull City in the EFL play-offs.
What they’re saying: “I’m very excited to be here and want to do everything I can to make this fanbase proud,” Arfsten said. “When I heard about the ambitions of the club, how they are as people and the direction the club is going in, it intrigued me. 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.”
He thanked the Columbus Crew for supporting him.
“All you can really ask for is an opportunity and that was definitely given to me in Columbus,” Arfsten said. “From the front office, the owners, the coaching staff, my teammates and everyone at the club, they really put a lot of time and effort into me these past four years in terms of my development. I can confidently say that no matter what, I’ll always consider myself a member of the Crew.”
Columbus Crew General Manager Issa Tall said Arfsten capitalized on every opportunity he earned.
“It has always been our mission to foster an environment that allows players and staff to develop and thrive,” Tall said. “We are proud to have played a role in Max’s growth as a player and a person, and it has been rewarding to watch him earn a contract in his first preseason with us to most recently representing the United States in the World Cup. This transfer represents an exciting step in his career, and we wish Max nothing but success in his next chapter.”
Arfsten’s career: After graduating from San Joaquin Memorial High School, Arfsten went on to star at UC Davis and signed with the San Jose Earthquakes reserve team in 2022.
The Crew selected Arfsten in the 2023 MLS Super Draft, and over three-and-a-half seasons he scored 20 goals and recorded 21 assists in 114 appearances.
Arfsten was part of the Crew’s 2023 MLS Cup victory and 2024 League Cup title.
He’s also made more than 20 appearances for the U.S. Men’s National Team, subbing on in the U.S. Men’s National Team’s knockout loss to Belgium late in the game.