Middlesbrough’s adoration for Max Arfsten has lasted a year, and the Championship club is interested in the left-back for the third time in as many transfer windows.

Arfsten has truly established himself as one of the best attacking full-backs in the MLS over the last few years with the Columbus Crew.

He’s had four goals and five assists in the last two seasons and has the same stats at the halfway point of the 2026 season, which begins on Wednesday after the World Cup concludes.

Middlesbrough expressed interest in signing the 25-year-old in both the summer of 2025 and this past January. This summer, he is once more the topic of discussions between Borough and Columbus.

Last week, the Northern Echo stated that no progress had been made between the two sides, but Borough remain confident of bringing him to the Riverside, particularly with Kim Hellberg’s side in need of an attacking full-back to duplicate what Callum Brittain does on the opposite wing.

Max Arfsten reveals a European dream amid Middlesbrough transfer talks.

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

The 25-year-old returns to Columbus in the midst of what appears to be his best MLS season yet, but that could be cut short if Middlesbrough succeeds in their pursuit of him over the next month.

According to Teesside Live, Arfsten was asked about his future plans, including a possible departure from America for the first time in his career.I hate to offer the politically correct response, but I currently play for the Columbus Crew. He stated, “I’m training today and focused on that.”I don’t know what will happen in the future. But for the time being, I’m relishing my return, looking forward to seeing all of my teammates, and getting ready to practice.

The 25-year-old admitted to exploring the possibility of playing in Europe, but did not reveal his preferred destination for the remainder of 2026.”It’s definitely a dream of mine,” Arfsten said. “Just as I think it would be for most people. “In terms of playing, I believe I’m ready for that next step. But, in the meanwhile, we’ll see what happens.

Max Arfsten’s transfer to Middlesbrough made perfect sense this summer.

In the previous two transfer windows in which Middlesbrough was linked with Arfsten, particularly in January, there was a sense that it wouldn’t have been the end of the world if the Teessiders were unsuccessful in their pursuit, given Matt Targett’s involvement.

However, now that the 30-year-old has departed the Riverside at the end of his loan stay, Kim Hellberg’s team requires a new starting left-back this summer, and the 25-year-old checks all the requirements.

According to Fotmob, Arfsten has completed the most successful dribbles of any wing-back in the MLS this season and is in the top 5% for big chances created and touches in the opposing box.

Middlesbrough would be interested in him not only for his attacking ability, but also because he is the best wing-back at winning duels. Clearly, the USMNT international is strong both offensively and defensively, qualities that Kim Hellberg will seek in his full-backs next season.

While Arfsten appears to be focused on his current situation at Columbus, you get the impression that if Middlesbrough were to make a breakthrough in their pursuit, he would be eager to try himself in the EFL, having nearly reached his ceiling in the MLS.

The former all-star and MLS winner is clearly ready to establish himself as a regular in a top Championship team, and Borough can help him do so.