'Big deal' - Middlesbrough swoop for Max Arfsten from Columbus Crew

Middlesbrough have completed another summer signing with Max Arfsten arriving from Columbus Crew.

The 25-year-old joins Boro on a four-year deal and becomes the third United States international in Kim Hellberg’s squad ahead of the new season, with more than 20 appearances for the USMNT including this summer’s World Cup in the US.

He joins fellow USA internationals Aidan Morris and Sebastian Berhalter in Boro’s squad for the 2026/27 Championship campaign.

Arfsten said: “I’m very excited to be here and want to do everything I can to make this fanbase proud. When I heard about the ambitions of the club, how they are as people and the direction the club is going in, it intrigued me. “I’ve been wanting to come here for some time and now I just can’t wait to train with the team and hit the ground running.”

Arfsten and Berhalter were part of the USA squad which reached the last 16 of the World Cup. Arfsten added: “Aidan especially has been telling me about the style of play, the culture of the club and the fanbase here. “Having both Aidan and Seb here will make the transition easier, because it’s always a big deal signing for a new club. “I’m just excited to have a new challenge and I’m looking forward to getting going.”

The left-sider won the MLS Cup with Columbus in 2023 and the Leagues Cup in 2024, and has twice appeared in the MLS All-Star Game.

Meanwhile, Middlesbrough's new striker Will Lankshear said he has learned more in a week under Hellberg than he has in his entire football career.

The 21-year-old ex-Tottenham Hotspur forward spent last season on loan at Oxford United. He said: “It's been a great week so far. I've learnt as much as I have my whole life in one week under Kim [Hellberg]," Lankshear told BBC Radio Tees. "It's really, really good. I'm really excited. We play some really nice football and that's all on the manager."