Arfsten’s Contributions and Comments

According to general manager Issa Tall, the Crew identified Max as a talented player with tremendous potential in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft, and he has capitalized on every opportunity earned in pursuit of the team’s and his own individual goals. “Max’s versatility, work rate and ability to create chances made him a dynamic player who could positively impact the game while providing special moments for our fans,” Tall said.

“From the bottom of my heart, thank you. I truly believe this is an extremely special place, it’s hard to put into words just how much this Club means to me,” said Arfsten in an interview with the Crew. “If there’s anything I want people to know, it’s that I have a lot of respect and gratitude for the Columbus Crew, the City of Columbus and the fans. All you can really ask for is an opportunity and that was definitely given to me in Columbus.”

Transfer Background and Replacements

Arfsten, 25, will travel to England in the next few days. A 2-1 victory over Cincinnati on July 25 was his final match with the Crew, with whom he made his MLS debut in 2023, according to The Columbus Dispatch. Replacing Arfsten in the midfield will be a tall order, but three of the five players the Crew signed in the summer transfer window are midfielders: Brooks Lennon, Lautaro Giaccone and Andrés Hererra.

Arfsten, who played for the United States in the World Cup, just returned from competing with Crew teammate Steven Moreira for the MLS All-Stars in a 4-2 victory over LIGA MX All-Stars on July 29 in Charlotte, North Carolina. He will now join former Crew star midfielder Aidan Morris and former Crew academy player Sebastian Berhalter with Middlesbrough, which competes in the English Championship division.

Middlesbrough attempted to get Arfsten a year ago with a transfer but was rejected along with France’s FC Toulouse — While sidestepping whether a transfer would occur during a July 20 press conference, Arfsten didn’t downplay what it would mean to play in Europe. “It’s definitely a goal of mine in my career, just as I think it would be for most people,” Arfsten said; “I do feel that, playing-wise, I’m ready for that step, but at the same time we’ll see what happens.”

MLS Rise and Career Path

This summer, Arfsten made one appearance for the United States at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but the two-time MLS All-Star leads the Crew with eight goal contributions (4g/4a) this season, according to MLSsoccer.com. During his time in Columbus, Arfsten tallied 20g/21a in 114 appearances across all competitions — he helped the Crew win MLS Cup 2023 and Leagues Cup 2024 titles.

Arfsten began his career with the San Jose Earthquakes’ MLS NEXT Pro side before being selected 14th overall (first round) in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft by the Crew, where he has spent the past three-and-a-half seasons. Prior to joining the Crew, Arfsten played three seasons for the University of California Davis (2019-2021) before leaving to join the San Jose Earthquakes of MLS Next Pro in 2022.

“For me, it was very emotional. I feel very blessed to be able to take advantage of this opportunity — It’s a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Arfsten about his call-up to the national team, according to Telemundo 51 Fresno. The midfielder also acknowledged that growing up away from major football development centers could present challenges for many young players. “Perhaps you weren’t exposed to high-level coaches or there weren’t MLS clubs nearby to discover you,” he said, noting that his focus was always on improving what was within his control.