Aberdeen bolster left-back options as Nesta Guinness-Walker signing confirmed

Aberdeen have confirmed the signing of free agent English left-back Nesta Guinness-Walker on a two-year contract.

Guinness-Walker, 26, has become Aberdeen’s ninth summer signing, joining the Dons following his departure from Northampton Town.

Stephen Robinson has bolstered his left-back options with Guinness-Walker, having recently told The Press and Journal the position “could be an issue” with Emmanuel Gyamfi set to be ruled out by a thigh injury potentially well into August. 

Promising youngster Jamie Mercer, who Robinson views as a left-back option, is out for three weeks after hurting an ankle during last week’s pre-season camp in the Netherlands.

This left only Mitchel Frame – who is understood to be attracting transfer interest from BK Hacken and Rakow Czestochowa -as a natural left-back option, with Aberdeen’s season set to start at Brora Rangers in the Premier Sports Cup next Tuesday.

The great-grandson of Obi-Wan Kenobi Star Wars actor Alec Guinness, he was named Northampton Town’s player of the year last season as they finished bottom of England’s League One.

Guinness-Walker ‘experience’ will help Gyamfi and Frame – Robinson

Dons head coach Robinson said: “Nesta brings real pace and energy down the side, and his experience will also help Emmanuel and Mitchel with their continued development.

“He has played extensively in the English Championship and League One and was named Northampton’s Player of the Year last season.

“He will need a few weeks to get up to speed, as his season finished earlier, but our team behind the scenes will create a tailored programme to help him integrate and be ready for action as quickly as possible.”

‘Ambition’ of Aberdeen made me sign – Guinness-Walker

Based on Robinson’s comments, it remains to be seen whether Guinness-Walker will play a part in Saturday’s final Reds pre-season friendly – against Northern Irish side Linfield at Windsor Park, Belfast.

The defender said he is “buzzing” to be at the Dons.

“As soon as Aberdeen showed interest, I was keen to get the deal done,” Nesta said.

“I’m here to continue my development and, of course, help the team win games.

“The club has a rich history, the fans look amazing, and after speaking to the manager, the ambition here was clear. It is something I’m eager to be part of.”

Aberdeen had already signed Lewis Mayo, Brad Lyons, Alexander Briedl, Dan Happe, Connor Ronan, Tony Yogane, Toyosi Olusanya and Ayoub Mouloua this summer.

The Dons outgoings have also been ramping up. Alexander Jensen’s exit for Elfsborg has been confirmed, with Nicolas Milanovic and Marko Lazetic’s departures expected imminently.

Meanwhile, Croatian side Hadjuk Split are reportedly now interesting in launching a bid for Aberdeen’s Finnish winger Topi Keskinen.

[Source: Press and Journal]