The Columbus Crew have reached an agreement to transfer midfielder Max Arfsten to Middlesbrough FC in the English League Championship for an undisclosed fee reported to be up to $7.5 million. The Crew will retain a percentage of future transfer fees for Arfsten.  

“Our team 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,” said Crew General Manager Issa Tall.

“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. 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. I can confidently say that no matter what, I’ll always consider myself a member of the Crew.” 

From 2023-26, Arfsten made 89 MLS regular season appearances (72 starts), registered 14 goals and 22 assists, and six postseason appearances, tallying three goals and two assists. He played in five Concacaf Champions Cup and eight Leagues Cup matches as a member of the Crew.

The 2025 U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year finalist and two-time MLS All-Star selection (2025, 2026) earned a spot on the United States roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and debuted in the tournament during the Round of 16 match against Belgium on July 6. 

With Middlesbrough, who last year was one win away from earning promotion to the English Premier League, Arfsten joins former Crew Homegrown midfielders Aidan Morris and Sebastian Berhalter, who were signed by the Crew just three days apart in January 2020.

Selected by the Crew in the First Round (14th overall) of the 2023 MLS SuperDraft, Arfsten signed with the First Team on Feb. 21, 2023, earning his spot following a successful preseason campaign.

This season, Arfsten has started 17 of the Black & Gold’s league matches, scoring four goals and adding four assists. In his second All-Star Game appearance last week, Arfsten featured for 45 minutes as the MLS All-Stars defeated the LIGA MX All-Stars 4-3 on July 29.  

The Fresno, Calif., native was a member of the United States roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and made his tournament debut in the Round of 16 match against Belgium on July 6.