Middlesbrough FC has completed the signing of USA international Max Arfsten from Columbus Crew. The 25-year-old wing-back becomes the club's latest summer addition.

Career Path

Arfsten was born in Fresno, California in April 2001. He began playing football aged five with California Odyssey Soccer Club, where he spent nine years.

Playing as a forward at San Joaquin Memorial High School, Arfsten was named the league's MVP for two consecutive years. In his final season there, he scored 50 goals and provided 20 assists.

He attended the University of California, Davis on a full-ride scholarship as a junior. In his first year he led his team to a Big West Championship. During his second year he was named the Big West's Offensive Player of the Year despite missing five months with a broken foot.

Professional Move

Arfsten left college to turn professional ahead of the 2022 season, signing with MLS Next Pro side San Jose Earthquakes II. After one season, he was included in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft and became the first player to be drafted out of MLS NEXT Pro when Columbus Crew selected him.

Columbus Crew Success

Arfsten has excelled as a wing-back across two-and-a-half seasons with the Crew. He scored on his debut against Atlanta United in March 2023, with his first start following less than three months later.

He featured in the Crew's 2023 play-offs campaign as they won the MLS Cup. Midfielder Aidan Morris was among his teammates.

Arfsten switched from right wing-back to left wing-back in the 2024 season, starting all five games as the Crew won the Leagues Cup. This proved a breakout campaign for the defender.

International Recognition

Arfsten was called up by the USA senior squad for the first time in January 2025 and made his international debut that month against Venezuela. He was a regular for his country in the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup as the Americans finished as runners-up.

He has since made 21 appearances for the USA, including at the recent World Cup on home soil, as the nation reached the last 16. Arfsten was selected for the MLS All-Stars in both the 2025 and 2026 MLS All-Star Games.

Arfsten now departs the United States for the first time in his career, following in the footsteps of fellow Crew teammate Aidan Morris in making a move to Teesside.