Sacramento Republic FC announced that the club has signed Ghanaian midfielder Aaron Essel from Scottish Premiership club St. Johnstone FC.
Essel has also signed a new contract with Republic FC and will be added to the team’s roster pending league and federation approval, as well as the receipt of his P-1 Visa and ITC. Per club policy, the terms of the contract were not disclosed.
“Aaron brings energy, athleticism, and a strong work ethic to our team,” said Republic FC Head Coach Neill Collins. “His experience in other leagues and at the international level has set him up well to help us compete for trophies this year.”
“I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining Republic FC this season. Sacramento has a passionate soccer community and a club with big ambitions, that’s exactly the environment I’ve been looking for,” said Aaron Essel. “I can’t wait to get on the pitch and give everything for the badge and the fans.”
Essel began his professional career in his home country of Ghana and featured for Bechem United FC of the Ghana Premier League from 2021-2024, where he made 68 appearances. In 2024, he signed with Scottish Premiership side St. Johnstone FC. All across competitions – including league play, Challenge Cup, and League Cup, Essel made 20 appearances and added a goal and an assist.
The 20-year-old spent the 2025 season in the U.S. on loan to MLS NEXT Pro side North Texas SC. In 17 appearances, he recorded two goals and one assist and ranked second on the team with an impressive 86% passing accuracy. He also converted his three attempts for North Texas in penalty shootout victories during the season.
