Max Arfsten reveals transfer 'dream' as Middlesbrough talk swirls | OneFootball

Max Arfsten has spoken of his desire to play in Europe, following a career built solely in the MLS

Middlesbrough's admiration for Max Arfsten has gone on for a year now, with this being the third consecutive transfer window that the Championship side has been interested in the left-back.

Arfsten has truly made a name for himself as one of the top attacking full-backs in the MLS over the past few years with Columbus Crew.

He's registered four goals and five assists in each of the last two seasons, and has those exact numbers at the halfway point of the 2026 campaign, which is set to resume on Wednesday following the World Cup's conclusion.

The 25-year-old has been the subject of transfer interest from Middlesbrough both in the summer of 2025 and this past January. This summer, he is once again the subject of talks between Boro and Columbus.

Last week, the Northern Echo reported that a breakthrough had yet to be made between the two sides, but Boro are still hopeful that they can bring him to the Riverside, especially with Kim Hellberg's side in need of an attacking full-back to replicate what Callum Brittain does on the opposite flank.

Max Arfsten outlines European dream amidst Middlesbrough transfer talks

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Arfsten spent the last month representing his country at the World Cup, albeit the presence of Fulham left-back Antonee Robinson limited him to just one minute all tournament as the USMNT crashed out in the Round of 16.

The 25-year-old returns to Columbus in the midst of what is looking to be the best MLS season of his career, personally, but that could be interrupted if Middlesbrough are successful in their pursuit of him over the next month.

Per Teesside Live, Arfsten was asked about his future and whether it lay away from America for the first time in his career.

"I hate to give the politically correct answer, but right now, I'm playing for Columbus Crew. I'm training today, and I'm focused on that," he said.

"I don't really know what's going to happen in the future. But right now, I'm enjoying my time back, I'm excited to see all my teammates, and I'm excited to train today."

Despite the answer not giving much away about where he wants to spend the rest of 2026, either at Columbus or elsewhere, the 25-year-old did admit that going to play in Europe is something he wants to explore.

"It's definitely a dream of mine," Arfsten added. "Just as I think it would be for most people.

"I do feel that, playing-wise, yeah, I'm ready for that step. But, at the same time, we'll see what happens."

Max Arfsten, Middlesbrough transfer makes perfect sense this summer

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In the past couple of transfer windows where Middlesbrough have been linked with Arfsten, especially in January, you got the feeling that it wouldn't have been the end of the world if the Teessiders weren't successful in the pursuit, due to the presence of Matt Targett.

However, now the 30-year-old has since left the Riverside at the culmination of his loan spell, Kim Hellberg's side do need a new starting left-back this summer, and the 25-year-old ticks all the boxes.

Per Fotmob, Arfsten has completed the most successful dribbles out of any wing-back in the MLS so far this season, and ranks in the top 5% for big chances created and touches in the opposition box.

It's not just his attacking prowess that would be attractive to Middlesbrough this summer, though, as he's the top-ranked wing-back when it comes to winning duels. Evidently, the USMNT international is strong both going forward and defensively, too, which Kim Hellberg will want in his full-backs next season.

While Arfsten seems focused on his current situation at Columbus, you get the feeling that, if Middlesbrough were to make a breakthrough in their pursuit, he would be keen to test himself in the EFL, after reaching his ceiling almost in the MLS.

The one-time all-star and former MLS champion is evidently ready to become a regular player in a top Championship side, and Boro can allow him to become that.