USMNT Stars Matt Turner and Paxten Aaronson Make Bold MLS Return to Boost World Cup Dreams
From Paxten Aaronson to Matt Turner, Major League Soccer is emerging as a more viable pathway for U.S. men's national team players and prospects compared to previous generations—and this development is positive.
These recent transfers reflect an expanding pattern, as teams acquire domestic talent—including nationally-capped players—from European clubs with substantial transfer fees. In return, players typically gain increased match time, a homecoming, and sometimes better compensation.
Although having athletes competing in Europe's premier leagues remains essential for national team excellence, players returning to MLS shouldn't be viewed negatively, and represents a path that additional USMNT members and candidates might consider.
"This is a distinctive moment in my professional journey," the 21-year-old Aaronson commented following his Designated Player agreement with Colorado Rapids. "[Colorado] offered me an opportunity and vision at this stage of my career. I believe it's something unique. I think it will push me as a developing player to join a squad competing for championships, to improve in areas and responsibilities that Europe might not provide."
Reaching his career's peak years, Aaronson required an opportunity. Though he had valuable loan experience from Eintracht Frankfurt in the Dutch league, he now receives a platform to assume greater leadership while continuing his development.
Simultaneously, this opportunity needed to provide stability, in an environment where he could feel sufficiently settled to concentrate on growing as both an athlete and individual.
This, partially, represents what MLS offers to those pursuing their next career phase.
It's something players like Real Salt Lake's Diego Luna, who are gradually entering the national team conversation while competing in the league, have experienced throughout their early career stages.
Departing Europe to return to MLS carries its own pressures, naturally, particularly at such a young age. However, the perception surrounding the league is evolving, as it highlights emerging talent prominently.
Different from earlier periods, the league has recognized youth development as a fundamental element of squad construction. While veteran superstars remain important as always, the chances for talents to assume meaningful roles have enhanced the league's appeal to players like Aaronson.
"Many analysts can discuss tactics and our shortcomings, which is legitimate. What's inappropriate is making judgments and holding, in my view, extreme opinions about what's optimal for a young person," Rapids manager Chris Armas stated. "The United States and MLS should embrace occasions like this. Our finest young talents desire to compete in our league."
A Stable Opportunity
Aaronson joins Colorado to become the organization's centerpiece and handle the expectations accompanying Designated Player status early in his career. However, for Turner, the European experience didn't unfold as planned, and he's returned to New England Revolution hoping to secure the USMNT starting position for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
While a complex transfer situation involving Lyon and Nottingham Forest resulted in Turner's eventual move, remaining in Europe likely would have eliminated him from consideration for the primary role at next summer's competition due to limited playing time.
Throughout his European stint, Turner faced playing time challenges. Questions arose when he lost his U.S. starting position to NYCFC goalkeeper Matt Freese during the Gold Cup.
With New England, however, he discovered consistency, while also confronting many elite forwards that MLS features, considering most highly-compensated Designated Players play attacking positions.
"Being with New England was the ideal location for me to continue refining those abilities, to build new connections, to compete in matches, to rediscover my joy in the sport," Turner said upon signing. "Looking back at some of my finest national team performances, obviously the [2022] World Cup was incredible, but some of my best national team displays occurred while I was here playing for New England."
A Strong Domestic League is Vital
While both Aaronson and Turner may have varying degrees of participation with the USMNT at next year's World Cup and beyond, maintaining a robust domestic league is crucial for a nation's soccer achievements.
Although Argentina featured only one player from their domestic premier division in the squad that captured the 2022 FIFA World Cup, many players had previously competed in Argentina's top league.
Looking further back, France included nine Ligue 1 players in their 2018 victory, 16 Bundesliga players claimed the trophy for Germany in 2014, and an impressive 20 La Liga players contributed to Spain's 2010 championship.
The transition to MLS from Europe early in a player's career may not suit everyone, but the league has positioned itself where it can serve as a legitimate platform to enhance one's abilities and create genuine impact at the international level.
That's what Aaronson and Turner are attempting to achieve—and don't be surprised if others follow suit.