Paxton Aaronson is a player that the USMNT has been watching for a few years, particularly during his time in Germany. Paxton has been a promising young talent who has shown glimpses of being a great player for club and Country.
This transfer comes as a surprise, as most young Americans typically return to or arrive in the MLS after a successful stint in Europe. Aaronson’s career overseas hasn’t been what many had pictured for him when he appeared overseas just a few seasons ago.
With him now possibly ending up in the MLS, there is a lot to consider in his career and the future of the Colorado Rapids, who are retooling for the future.
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How this Helps Colorado
Investing in young national talent that is considered the upper half of the USMNT is always a plus for any team in the MLS.
USMNT Fans know the Aaronson last name due to Paxton and his brother Brenden, who was also considered a top USMNT talent that has failed to live up to his hype.
Colorado needed young talent to create a core going forward. The Djordje Mihailovic freed up a roster spot and also earned the Rapids eight million dollars to use for this transfer window.
Unfortunately, this also opened up a need for talented players to reshape what this team’s future will look like.
The Rapids have struggled to stay in the Western Conference playoff race, in which they have been struggling to compete.
The Rapids getting a young, fast, talented scorer with his prime in front of him is enough to get fans to believe that the Rapids can compete next season and build an exciting young core for the future.
A lot of these championship teams build their squads around almost retired European superstars who are looking forward to the beaches in America.
If Colorado can build a young, talented club, they may be able to not just compete next year, but for years to come after.
What does this mean for Aaronson and his Career?
Paxton spent two years in Germany and the last two seasons in the Netherlands’ first division. This season, he would be playing for a second division club.
Last season for Utrecht, Paxton started 30 games, only earning eight goals and four assists. This season would be a drop in competition for the young American, though the Netherlands’ first tier is well respected; the second tier is not.
The MLS is a good alternative for him to prove he can be a trusted scorer and prove to be flashy on the wing or in the midfield.
Aaronson can also take this time to build up his body and increase his strength and size so he can be more competitive for 50/50 balls, something Brenden struggles with. At only 20 years old, there is still a chance for Aaronson to make it back to a respectable league in Europe.
With more minutes and more touches, it will be a good opportunity for him to take advantage of these chances and improve his game.
Though a move back to the MLS at 20 may not be ideal, it presents new avenues for the young talent to take advantage of as he takes the next steps to stardom.
Main Photo
Credit IMAGO/Jan Huebner
Recording Date 16.08.2025