Middlesbrough rekindle interest in Columbus Crew's Max Arfsten

Championship outfit Middlesbrough have reportedly reopened negotiations with Columbus Crew over a deal for left-back Max Arfsten.

Boro failed with a bid believed to be around £2.25million in August 2025 for the USA international, with Crew adamant they did not want to sell one of their most prized assets.

The Teessiders ended up signing Matt Targett on a season-long loan from Newcastle United as the club missed out on a place in the Premier League, losing 1-0 to Hull City in the play-off final.

But Targett's deal has now ended and the Riverside Stadium-based side are eager to bring in a replacement, with Arfsten high on the list of summer targets.

The USA international has been in impressive form for Columbus in the 2026 MLS, scoring five goals and registering the same amount of assists from 16 appearances, and this attack-minded approach from full-back is what Boro boss Kim Hellberg is looking for.

Arfsten is part of his country's World Cup finals squad and Boro may be looking to get a deal completed before he potentially impresses in the major tournament.

French side Toulouse also had a bid rejected last summer and they continue to keep tabs on the defender's situation, while there is said to be interest from across Europe.

If Arfsten does impress for the Stars and Stripes, then his stock will rise as a result and this would mean a potentially protracted battle for Middlesbrough in their efforts to sign him.

Hellberg wants to bring in reinforcements ahead of the 2026/27 campaign and it is believed that Arfsten would be interested in a switch to the Riverside, if the opportunity presented itself.

Busy summer window

A new left-back is just one of the positions Middlesbrough are looking to strengthen this summer, with goalkeeper another area.

With Joe Wildsmith and Jon McLaughlin having moved on, Sol Brynn as the only senior keeper on the books and competition is required.

A new striker, along with a winger, are also high on the list, as is a new central midfielder, regardless of whether the club manage to keep hold of the much sought-after Hayden Hackney.

Promotion challenge expected

Having missed out in the play-off final this season, Boro are fancied to put in another strong challenge for promotion and they are 10/3 to be promoted.

It is 10/1 for Middlesbrough to win the 2026/27 Championship, with West Ham (9/4), Wolves (11/2) and Burnley (8/1) ahead of them in the betting.

This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.