Republic FC Add Another Midfielder with Aaron Essel
Republic FC has announced the acquisition of Aaron Essel via transfer from Scottish Premiership club St. Johnstone FC. This deal is pending league and federation approval, along with the receipt of his P-1 VIsa and ITC.
Essel's professional career started in his home country of Ghana. He played for Bechem United FC in the Ghana Premier League from 2021 to 2024, making 64 appearances. He moved to Scottish Premiership side St. Johnstone FC in 2024. There, he would make 20 appearances for St. Johnstone.
Aaron came stateside in 2025, when he was loaned to the MLS NEXT Pro side, North Texas SC.
Essel has international experience, having featured at multiple age levels for Ghana. His most recent appearance came with the Ghanaian U-20 side last May. And then he earned his first senior cap for the Ghanaian National Team, playing in an international friendly against Nigeria.
Republic FC Head Coach Neill Collins on Aaron Essel: "Aaron brings energy, athleticism, and a strong work ethic to our team. His experience in other leagues and at the international level has set him up well to help us compete for trophies this year."
Aaron Essel on joining the Republic: "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. I can’t wait to get on the pitch and give everything for the badge and the fans."
The team and Coach Collins are building a midfield-heavy roster. And the latest acquisition of Essel gives them more flexibility in the defensive midfield. He is a younger player, only 20, and already earning international caps for an established Ghana side that will be appearing at the World Cup later this year. As I mentioned with the Memo Rodriguez signing, this midfield is growing to be a question mark as to what shape Neill Collins sets them up in and who will get the start. I would expect Essel to compete with Danny Crisostomo if the Republic were to field only one defensive midfielder. Aaron is a talented piece and will be curious to see where he fits in.
Welcome to the club, Aaron!
(Photos thanks to Sacramento Republic FC)
All Is Quail Blog Author/Co-Host
The “numbers guy”, Riyan! Riyan is a native of Sacramento and has been following the Republic since day one. He has covered the team across different media outlets including now his own, All is Quail Soccer. Aside from putting numbers in spreadsheets, he has a love of video games and finding a good book to put in his ever growing to-read pile.
Republic FC Makes Marquee Signing with Mark-Anthony Kaye
