League: MLS Sport: Soccer Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Middlesbrough closes in on new signing as Lalas coins 'Middlesmerica

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 1, 2026, 12:30 PM

Last updated Aug 1, 2026

Middlesbrough closes in on new signing as Lalas coins 'Middlesmerica

Summary

Middlesbrough is reportedly finalizing a deal to sign USMNT wingback Max Arfsten from Columbus Crew, adding to their roster of American players. The club has already secured Sebastian Berhalter and recently added Aidan Morris and Adilson Malanda from MLS teams. Alexi Lalas has given the team the nickname 'Middlesmerica' in light of their American signings. Middlesbrough will play Wrexham in the Carabao Cup on August 7 ahead of the Championship season opener against Lincoln City on August 15.

Source Links

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Market Watch

•Middlesbrough finalizes deal for Max Arfsten from Columbus Crew.
•Team nickname 'Middlesmerica' coined by Alexi Lalas.
•Sebastian Berhalter and Aidan Morris are also recent signings.
•Middlesbrough faces Wrexham in Carabao Cup on August 7.
•Championship opener against Lincoln City is scheduled for August 15.

Latest Updates

12:30 PMYahoo Sports — Alexi Lalas gives new nickname to English soccer team as they close in on another MLS signing

What they're saying

"
Fans of the MLS and the USMNT may be paying closer attention to one English team in the Championship once their season kicks off later this month. Middlesbrough, who play in the second tier of English football alongside Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac’s Wrexham, have been using America to strengthen their team as they aim to push for promotion to the Premier League.
— Yahoo Sports

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