North Texas SC announced today the acquisition of midfielder Aaron Essel on loan from St. Johnstone FC for the rest of the season, with an option to execute a permanent transfer, pending receipt of his P-1 Visa and International Transfer Certificate (ITC). St. Johnstone FC holds the rights to recall Essel.

The Ghana native joins North Texas after a season in the highest tier of soccer in Scotland with St. Johnstone FC. At St. Johnstone, Essel played 18 matches, registered 1,079 minutes, and had one goal contribution across all competitions. Essel made his debut with the senior team on Aug. 8, 2024, starting and playing 71 minutes. With the second team, he scored his first professional career goal on July 31, 2024, against Brechin City FC in the Scottish Challenge Cup. He signed a three-year deal with St. Johnstone FC on July 8, 2024. 

The 19-year-old represents Ghana internationally. He made his international debut with Ghana’s U20 National Team in an international friendly against Mexico on May 30, 2022.  Essel captained the Ghana U23 squad against Morocco on March 20, 2025. Essel has nine appearances between the U20 and U23 teams for Ghana.