Colorado Rapids Sign Paxten Aaronson for Club-Record $7 Million Fee

Paxten Aaronson, a 21-year-old midfielder for the U.S. Men’s National Team, has signed a five-year contract with the Colorado Rapids, marking a club-record transfer fee of around $7 million plus $1.5 million in add-ons. Aaronson returns to MLS after playing in Europe since 2023, including loan spells at Dutch clubs FC Utrecht and Vitesse Arnhem, where he demonstrated significant development with notable goal and assist tallies and a nomination for the Johan Cruyff Talent of the Year award. Previously, he played for Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany's Bundesliga, making 23 appearances and participating in European competitions, before seeking a move back to the United States due to limited playing opportunities at Frankfurt. The Rapids president, Pádraig Smith, emphasized Aaronson’s potential and ambition, highlighting him as a core piece for the club's future competitiveness. Aaronson originally began his professional career with the Philadelphia Union as a homegrown player, and the Union benefited financially from his transfer through sell-on clauses. This strategic acquisition underscores the Rapids' intent to strengthen their squad with young, internationally experienced talent capable of making an immediate impact.