The Colorado Rapids signed U.S. men’s national team midfielder Paxten Aaronson to a five-year contract on Thursday.

The Rapids acquired Aaronson, 21, from Germany’s Eintracht Frankfurt for a club-record $7 million transfer fee.

Aaronson will occupy a Designated Player spot in Colorado as he returns to MLS after playing abroad since 2023.

Most recently, he tallied nine goals and six assists in 37 matches while on loan at Dutch side FC Utrecht in 2024-25.

“Bringing Paxten to Colorado highlights our ambition and belief in his ability to impact our team immediately,” said Rapids president Padraig 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 New Jersey native, Aaronson signed a homegrown player deal with the Philadelphia Union in 2020 and scored four goals in 37 appearances with the club.

–Field Level Media