From draft pick to World Cup to England: Max Arfsten's 4-year journey with the Crew is over

SportsColumbus Crew sell MLS Cup winner and U.S. World Cup player to England clubThe Columbus Crew sold midfielder Max Arfsten to English club Middlesbrough on Tuesday.APCOLUMBUS, Ohio — The Columbus Crew announced the transfer of midfielder Max Arfsten to English Championship side Middlesbrough FC on Tuesday for a reported transfer fee of $7.5 million.Arfsten reunites with former Crew players Aidan Morris and Sebastian Berhalter at Middlesbrough, capping a rapid rise from 2023 draft selection to international player in just four years.The Fresno, California, native made 89 regular season appearances with 72 starts for Columbus from 2023 through 2026, contributing 14 goals and 22 assists. He helped the Crew win the 2023 MLS Cup and 2024 Leagues Cup, and converted a crucial penalty kick in a 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup shootout against Tigres that sent Columbus to the semifinal round.Which Columbus Crew players will participate in 2026 MLS All-Star Game?Columbus Crew add Argentine midfielder on loan Columbus Crew sign veteran defender hours after trading one awayColumbus Crew defender gets the call for U.S. World Cup 2026 squadTim Bezbatchenko returning to Columbus to oversee Crew and all soccer operations for Haslam Sports Group“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,” Crew general manager Issa Tall said in a statement. “Max’s versatility, work rate and ability to create chances made him a dynamic player who could positively impact the game.”Arfsten earned All-Star honors in 2025 and 2026 and was a finalist for the 2025 U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year award. This season, he started 17 league matches for Columbus, recording four goals and four assists before the transfer.The 27-year-old has represented the United States 21 times with 13 starts, scoring one goal with five assists. He appeared in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, making his tournament debut in a Round of 16 match against Belgium on July 6.“I have a lot of respect and gratitude for the Columbus Crew, the City of Columbus and the fans,” Arfsten said in a statement. “From the front office, the owners, the coaching staff, my teammates and everyone at the Club, they really put a lot of time and effort into me these past four years in terms of my development.”Columbus selected Arfsten 14th overall in the first round of the 2023 MLS SuperDraft. He scored nine minutes after entering his professional debut in March 2023.The Advance Local Express Desk uses AI tools to assist in producing content, which is reviewed and edited by staff. Advance Local is the parent company of AL.com, Cleveland.com, lehighvalleylive.com,...