Acquiring Paxten Aaronson just makes sense for the Columbus Crew

The Columbus Crew has very little needs. They don't need a new goalkeeper, they don't need to bring in an all-star to drive them to wins, and they most certainly don't need to drastically shake up the current roster.

2024 has been kind to the Crew, as they've already found their first taste of silverware, taking home the Leagues Cup championship. Not only that, but the team is currently on pace to compete for the MLS Cup championship when the end of October rolls around. However, there is one player who could help to increase the team's ceiling next season and his name is Paxten Aaronson.

Aaronson is currently on loan from Eintracht Frankfurt to FC Utrecht for the 2024-25 league campaign. Prior to the season beginning, he was given the opportunity to extend his contract with the Bundesliga side through 2028, showing trust that he has the ability to continue growing over the course of the next few years.

“In Utrecht, he has a good environment and a good club where he can take the next stage of development," said Eintracht Frankfurt Sporting Director Timmo Hardung. "We are totally convinced of Paxten and are sure that he will go his way with us in the Bundesliga after his time in Utrecht.”

Most recently, Aaronson spotlighted Team USA in the 2024 Paris Olympic Summer Games, competing with the Men's U-23 International Team where he helped guide the team to a quarterfinal finish. Through seven appearances with the team, he has scored two goals and dished off one assist while being one of the primary offensive threats.

The 5"9' attacking midfielder has appeared in 22 outings for Eintracht Frankfurt where he has been a crucial playmaker for the club, finding three assists during his time on the pitch. The only issue for him is that he has been reduced to being utilized as a substitute, limiting his ability to grow at such a young age. With the Crew, he would not have to worry about playing time.

A return to the States would not be shocking, as before he joined his club in the Bundesliga, he was a member of the Philadelphia Union. There, he competed with the MLS Next Pro team where he buried five goals and assisted on four, before jumping up to the major league team and playing in 23 total games. Unfortunately, he did not have a prominent spot with the team, so the Union opted to move on from him so he would be able to continue growing his skillsets.

The Black & Gold, like many teams he would be loaned to overseas, could utilize him in the starting lineup instantly.

He would be a huge addition to the front three for the Columbus Crew. His ability to playmake and space the field would work nicely alongside the defiant scoring ability of forwards Cucho Hernandez and Diego Rossi. This would also allow Head Coach Wilfried Nancy to utilize forward Christian Ramirez in a more reserved role as his first guy off the bench.

In recent years, Ramirez has lost his extra bounce while being in the starting lineup for long periods of time, and has looked more sharp coming off the bench. The youthful energy of Aaronson with the club would allow for the team to get more out of Ramirez and receive a nice spacer next to Hernandez and Rossi.

While it is very rare for the Crew to make many signings, an addition of Aaronson has to at least be explored moving forward.

The Black & Gold will look to continue rolling through the MLS regular season as they next look to take on New York City FC on Saturday, August 31, with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. EST.