Middlesbrough transfer target Max Arfsten has ‘had his head turned’ by Boro after £2.25m bid rejected

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EFL Analysis can reveal how Middlesbrough target Max Arfsten feels after Columbus Crew rebutted an offer from Boro for the left wing-back.

The Rob Edwards era at Middlesbrough in the Championship gets underway this weekend with the visit of Swansea City to the Riverside on Saturday afternoon.

Middlesbrough have begun building the squad in Edwards’ image, which will be imperative to their exploits this season after one EFL expert voiced his “serious issues” with Edwards’ Boro squad.

Last week, Middlesbrough signed Callum Brittain from Blackburn Rovers after a lengthy transfer saga, who joins fellow summer recruits Alfie Jones and Abdoulaye Kante.

Middlesbrough are in the market for a left wing-back to suit Edwards’ playing style, and EFL Analysis can reveal the latest news regarding recent transfer target Max Arfsten.

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How Middlesbrough target Max Arfsten feels after £2.25m bid rejected

Edwards has been in the market for a left-sided wing-back after Middlesbrough missed out on Alfie Doughty with his move to Millwall.

Doughty was Edwards’ ‘dream signing’ following their time at Luton Town together, and with the new Boro boss expected to employ his trademark three-back formation this season, the Riverside transfer team have been looking for recruits.

The box has been ticked on the right flank with the arrival of Brittain, and Middlesbrough have eyed another target on the left side in the form of USMNT star Max Arfsten.

Middlesbrough submitted a £2.25m bid for Arfsten last week, which has since been rejected by Columbus Crew.

EFL Analysis can reveal, thanks to information from our Chief Football correspondent Graeme Bailey, that Arfsten has “had his head turned” by Middlesbrough’s advances, and that another bid is imminent for the 24-year-old.

“The initial bid got rejected, but Boro haven’t given up on him. It’s believed the player has had his head turned by Boro.

“The first bid was a reasonable bid, especially for an MLS player; it wasn’t a tiny amount of money.

“I think from what I’m told, Middlesbrough will go back. I think there’s a fair chance he arrives. They like him a lot.

“And, he knows there’s a chance of playing first-team football in the Championship.

“It’s a market Middlesbrough have done well in before, the USA. Riley McGree came from the MLS as well. I’d expect Arfsten to arrive before the end of the month.”

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Middlesbrough could unearth another MLS gem with Max Arfsten

Middlesbrough have had success over recent seasons from shopping in the MLS market, and could find another gem in Arfsten.

Boro signed Riley McGree from Charlotte FC in January 2022, and the attacker has since scored 15 goals and registered 11 assists in 100 appearances.

Last summer, Middlesbrough signed Aidan Morris from Arfsten’s Columbus Crew, and the combative central midfielder amply impressed in his first season in the Championship in 2024/25.

Arfsten has ten USA caps to his name and has featured 84 times for Columbus Crew since being promoted from their B team in 2023.

Despite it being a shame from a Middlesbrough perspective to have missed out on Doughty, Arfsten’s attacking output and experience on the international stage points towards him being a potential gem, waiting for a Championship side to sign him.

Given Boro’s track record with MLS talents and Arfsten being perfectly suited to what Edwards wants from a left-sided wing-back, the move remains a likely prospect.