كرة القدم بيبي
Tim Howard Slams Middlesbrough’s Lowball Offer for Rising USMNT Star Max Arfsten
In the ever-evolving world of soccer التحويلات, where talent from the MLS is increasingly catching European eyes, a recent bid has sparked heated debate. Former USMNT legend Tim Howard has publicly called out Middlesbrough for their underwhelming proposal to acquire Columbus Crew defender Max Arfsten, highlighting ongoing issues in valuing American players abroad. This incident underscores the growing tension between MLS clubs and overseas teams, as American talents like Arfsten continue to rise.
- Howard praises Crew for rejecting Middlesbrough’s initial bid
- Compares market value to similar European prospects
- Analyst suggests Arfsten should command higher transfer fee
Tim Howard’s Critique of Middlesbrough’s Bid for Max Arfsten
Legendary goalkeeper Tim Howard has voiced strong dissatisfaction with Middlesbrough’s attempt to sign Columbus Crew’s promising defender Max Arfsten, labeling the offer as a clear sign of disrespect toward U.S. soccer stars. Drawing from his experiences at top clubs like إيفرتون و مانشستر يونايتد, Howard argues that the proposed $3.5 million fee drastically underestimates Arfsten’s abilities and future prospects, revealing a deeper bias against players from the متحد States in international dealings.
During a lively discussion on the Unfiltered Soccer podcast alongside Landon Donovan, Howard didn’t hold back. “Come on, Middlesbrough, step up and offer what he’s really worth-this is outrageous,” he remarked. “We’re talking about a budding talent who’s already making waves for the USMNT and could easily slot into the كأس العالم squad with his current trajectory. It’s time for global clubs to recognize the value here; this kind of low offer feels like a direct insult.”
Highlighting Bias in Valuing USMNT Talents Like Max Arfsten
Howard pointed out that this situation exemplifies the complaints often heard from American players about unfair treatment in the transfer market. He believes it demonstrates a systemic undervaluation that wouldn’t occur with similarly skilled athletes from other nations.
“For all those skeptics who roll their eyes when we talk about discrimination against U.S. players, here’s a prime case,” Howard explained. “Imagine if this were a rising star from Spain or ألمانيا-a young full-back breaking into the وطني setup after a solid tournament run. Clubs would be throwing around $15-20 million without hesitation. But for $3 million? You couldn’t even buy decent training equipment with that in today’s market.”
Columbus Crew’s Smart Move in Rejecting Middlesbrough’s Offer for Arfsten
Commending the Columbus Crew for turning down the bid from the English بطولة side, Howard emphasized that the team is wise to demand a figure that matches Arfsten’s growing appeal among European scouts. At just 22, the left-back has drawn attention, and Howard suggests holding firm by looking at recent deals as benchmarks.
“Good on Columbus for politely declining,” Howard noted. “Let’s think about it-players like Djordje Mihailovic recently moved for around $8-9 million including bonuses. If I’m a club executive scouting talent, I’d see Arfsten as a steal at even double that initial bid. Secure him now, develop him further, and you’ve got a player ready for a big resale in a few years. It’s an obvious win; anything less is just shortsighted.”
Max Arfsten’s Impressive Progress Amid Transfer Speculation
Howard also celebrated Arfsten’s resilience and consistent performances, even as rumors swirl about his future. He views this as a positive sign for both the player and the USMNT under coach Mauricio Pochettino.
“It’s thrilling to watch Max Arfsten build on his momentum,” Howard shared. “As former pros, we know the drill: after a breakout period, do you coast or push harder? He’s clearly chosen the latter, proving his summer success wasn’t a fluke. Returning to club duties with that fire is exactly what coaches like Pochettino look for-it’s all about sustained growth and reliability.”
Arfsten’s Career Milestones and Future with Columbus Crew
Since bursting onto the scene with Columbus Crew in 2023, Arfsten has featured in 63 MLS matches, playing a key role in 21 goals through assists and defensive solidity. His international breakthrough came with a USMNT debut in January 2025, amassing 10 caps so far, including standout appearances in five games at the 2025 Gold Cup. Recent updates show MLS talents like him fetching higher fees, with average transfers for similar defenders rising 15% in 2025, per Transfermarkt data, suggesting even greater potential value.
As interest builds, Arfsten remains focused on honing his skills at Columbus Crew, with the club poised to evaluate stronger proposals from interested parties in the coming windows.
