By OkayGoal 
Middlesbrough is reportedly set to have not only two American players in their squad this season, but three.
Max Arfsten is nearing a deal to join the EFL Championship club from the Columbus Crew, The Northern Echo reported late Thursday night. The Crew are set to receive a $7.5 million transfer fee for Arfsten’s services, as well add-ons and a sell-on clause, The Athletic later reported Friday.
Arfsten would join up with former Crew and current U.S. Men’s National Team teammates Aidan Morris and Sebastian Berhalter on Teesside. Morris is heading into his third season with the club while Berhalter recently joined in a permanent deal from the Vancouver Whitecaps earlier this week.
The 25-year-old Arfsten has quickly become one of the key fullbacks/wingbacks in both MLS and the USMNT player pool. After joining the Crew in 2023 and winning MLS Cup, Arfsten became a starter in 2024 and has since totaled 95 appearances for the club in all competitions.
He’s scored 17 goals and added 24 assists in MLS play, helping Columbus lift the Leagues Cup in 2024. Arfsten has also earned back-to-back nods to the MLS All-Star Game.
A rapid rise at club level has also led to Arfsten’s growing role with the USMNT over the past two years. Arfsten has earned 21 caps to date and made his FIFA World Cup debut earlier this summer under head coach Mauricio Pochettino.
Middlesbrough will aim to be among the promotion contenders in the EFL Championship this season after falling to Hull City 1-0 in the promotion final.
Kim Hellberg’s squad will open their competitive schedule on August 7 against Wrexham in EFL Cup play.