The Colorado Rapids have finalized a club-record deal to make an American the new face of the club.
Paxten Aaronson has officially joined the Rapids in a permanent transfer from German Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt, both clubs announced Thursday. Aaronson signed a five-year contract with Colorado and will become a Designated Player on the roster.
Colorado reportedly paid Eintracht Frankfurt a $7 million transfer fee, which includes an additional $1.5 million in potential add-ons, GiveMeSport reported.
“Bringing Paxten to Colorado highlights our ambition and belief in his ability to impact our team immediately,” said Colorado Rapids President Pádraig Smith. “He has proven himself in Europe, gained valuable experience on the international stage with the U.S. Men’s National Team, and brings a dynamic, creative presence to our midfield. He is the exact type of young, hungry player we want to build around at this club, and we are delighted to welcome him to Colorado as we strengthen a team capable of competing at the highest level.”
A former Philadelphia Union homegrown midfielder, Aaronson joined Eintracht Frankfurt from the MLS club originally back in 2023. He spent back-to-back loan spells at Dutch Eredivisie sides Vitesse Arnhem and FC Utrecht, boosting his production on both occasions.
After scoring four goals in 14 appearances for Vitesse, Aaronson enjoyed his best season yet in 2024-25 for FC Utrecht, scoring nine goals and adding six assists. He helped Utrecht qualify for Europe this summer, teaming up with fellow American Taylor Booth before Booth’s eventual transfer to FC Twente.
A former U.S. youth national team standout, Aaronson debuted for the USMNT in January 2023 and has since earned four senior caps for the program. The New Jersey native is the brother and international teammate of Brenden, who currently plays for English Premier League club Leeds United.
Colorado sits seventh in the Western Conference and has seven regular season matches left to play.
Is this best for the USMNT? Very difficult to determine. Is it good for MLS and Colorado? Yes. Is it good for Aaronson? Hard to say. MLS keeps improving and a number of teams are bringing in good youth players from other countries and leagues, It figures that some good US youth p[layers will return here and it may be a good thing for them. Still, there is the example of Jordan Morris, who may have hurt his development and standing by staying at Seattle.
Probably hurt it more with ACL tears to both knees. Including his left knee five matches into his time at Swansea.
Sigh
Good move. Eintracht were looking to send him on loan again. Wanting stability is important.
And he will fill that Central attacking midfielder spot now Mihailovich left.