(foto: Getty Images)
The Ghanaian youngster will join FC Dallas on an initial loan, but won’t feature for the first team immediately.
Aaron Essel is set to leave St Johnstone for a nine-month loan move to MLS club FC Dallas, according to The Courier. However, the 19-year-old utility player, capable of playing in both defense and midfield, will initially link up with Dallas' U23 side rather than their senior squad.
Signed by Craig Levein last summer, Essel has found game time increasingly limited under new boss Simo Valakari. Despite making 19 appearances this season, the Ghana U23 international hasn’t featured since being substituted at half-time against Rangers and appears to be out of the first-team picture.
Dunfermline had shown interest in taking Essel on loan in January, but instead signed his teammate Andre Raymond. Now, Dallas have stepped in, offering Essel a fresh opportunity to prove himself in MLS NEXT Pro, the reserve league for MLS clubs.
Deal structure explained
The loan includes a six-figure purchase option for FC Dallas, while St Johnstone retain the right to recall Essel in July if needed.
With game time scarce in Scotland, the move presents a chance for the versatile teenager to reignite his development, and if he impresses, a permanent transfer to MLS could be on the cards.