What Columbus Crew's Max Arfsten said about rumors of England transfer
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Max Arfsten achieved one of his lifelong dreams when he stepped onto the field for the United States during the World Cup. But at 25 years old, there are a considerable number of other goals he's still focused on, including playing in Europe.
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"It's definitely a goal of mine in my career, just as I think it would be for most people," Arfsten said. "I do feel that, playing-wise, I'm ready for that step, but at the same time we'll see what happens."
While Arfsten was with the United States Men's National Team camp for seven weeks, reports began to surface about England's Middlesbrough FC interest in the Crew midfielder. Multiple outlets in England have reported that a deal is in progress, though there has been no substantial confirmation from outlets in the United States that the move is happening.
The Crew have worked on deals with Middlesbrough in the past, most notably sending two-time MLS Cup midfielder Aidan Morris to the EFL Championship team in 2024.
Arfsten addressed the reports on July 20, ahead of the Crew's first game back since the World Cup break against New York City FC.
"I hate to give the politically correct answer, but right now I'm playing for Columbus Crew," Arfsten said. "I'm training today, and I'm focused on that. I don't really know what's going to happen in the future, but right now, I'm enjoying my time back."
Going into the first week of games in over eight weeks, starting with NYCFC, followed by a Hell is Real matchup against FC Cincinnati on July 25, Crew interim coach Laurent Courtois is expecting Arfsten and defender Steven Moreira to be available, as they both returned to Columbus from the World Cup this weekend.
"They're back, they're fit, they're fully available, mentally and physically," Courtois said.
Before the break, Arfsten had recorded four goals and a team-leading four assists in regular-season play. Arfsten scored the game-winner in a 1-0 victory over NYCFC, advancing the Crew to the U.S. Open Cup semifinals, scheduled for Sept. 14 against Orlando City SC.
Max Arfsten finds 'motivation' in World Cup experience
After being kept on the bench for the United States' first two group-stage games during its World Cup on home soil, it seemed Arfsten was going to record his first minutes of the tournament during the final group-stage matchup against Turkey.
However, despite Arfsten being ready to enter around late in the second half, coach Mauricio Pochettino opted to substitute Alex Freeman and Alejandro Zendejas in the 3-2 loss.
The U.S. defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 in the knockout stage to reach the round of 16. But a rough start against Belgium put the U.S. down 2-1 by halftime.
With the deficit at 3-1 during the 92nd minute, Arfsten entered his first World Cup game amidst complicated circumstances.
"That was tough, because the Turkey game I was supposed to go in," Arfsten said. "But that's football at the end of the day. ... And against Belgium, I just really wanted to say I played in the World Cup and got on the pitch, just individually for my career. It's something I could always say. And there was a second I was like, 'Damn, maybe the ball's not going to go out or something.' But I still got in for a little bit.
"Because I was there, but I didn't get to play that much, it's like motivation to try and do everything I can to make the next one."
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: What Columbus Crew's Max Arfsten said about rumors of England transfer