Willie Miller: Why Aberdeen’s early transfer business sends clear message to rivals.
Aberdeen veteran Miller recounts Jimmy Thelin’s early signings of attacker Kusini Yengi, left back Emmanuel Gyamfi, winger Nicolas Milanovic and goalkeeper Nick Suman. Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin is building on the Scottish Cup victory by moving rapidly to sign new players. Winning the Scottish Cup for the first time since 1990 provided a significant boost to the team, city, and supporters. Thelin and the Pittodrie leadership have already signed four players, sending a clear message that they would not rest on their laurels despite winning trophies.
They are clearly determined to build on the trophy glory by taking Aberdeen to the next level, which is exciting to see.
Portsmouth forward Kusini Yengi (10), during an EFL Sky Bet Championship match against Watford. Image:
Shutterstock. Thelin has already signed striker Kusini Yengi, left defender Emmanuel Gyamfi, winger Nicolas Milanovic, and goalkeeper Nick Suman. It is really exciting to see Aberdeen move quickly to add new players, and perhaps many more will arrive throughout the summer transfer season.
Thelin requires a strong team, both in terms of quality and quantity, with European group stage play certain for the following season. The most recent season finished on a positive note, with the team earning its first title since 2014. However, you cannot simply sit back and enjoy the benefits of a great season. It is critical to press forward to build on that accomplishment and achieve future advancement. These early signings suggest that is very much the mindset at Pittodrie.
New Aberdeen signing Emmanuel Gyamfi raises a club scarf. Supplied by Newsline/Aberdeen FC.
Thelin must improve quality in the summer window to ensure that the next step on the ladder is upward rather than downward. Thelin’s four acquisitions since the end of the season have all been on permanent terms, which is encouraging. Securing players on long-term contracts provides stability for the manager, club, and squad. Loan acquisitions, possibly a couple, can help bolster the team, but permanent signings are always preferable. Aberdeen have signed Gyamfi on a four-year contract from Bundesliga 2 club Schalke to cover the left-back position left vacant by Jack MacKenzie’s departure.
Nicolas Milanovic (L) of Western Sydney Wanderers FC and Riku Danzaki (R) of Western United FC. Image: Shutterstock.
At 20 years old, he is certainly a player Aberdeen believes has the ability to improve. Schalke may be in Bundesliga 2, but they remain a high-quality club in terms of organisation and management. So Gyamfi should come to Aberdeen with excellent practices.
The signing of Gyamfi fits perfectly with Aberdeen’s trade strategy. Aberdeen is attempting to find talent, offer them a platform, and hope they shine in the first team for a few of seasons. If they succeed, they will eventually collect a transfer fee for a player who has contributed to the team’s success. It is a win-win situation because the player has advanced his career while Aberdeen benefits from his performances and transfer price. Striker Bojan Miovski is an excellent illustration of this trade technique, having joined for £535,000 from MTK Budapest before being sold to Girona for nearly £7 million. Aberdeen’s acquisition of striker Yengi is another encouraging signing as they prepare for the new season.
Yengi, an Australian international, has signed on a free transfer after his contract with Championship side Portsmouth expired. Yengi has 11 caps for Australia. His younger brother, Tete, plays for Livingston, so the new Dons signing will be fully aware of the expectations that come with playing for Aberdeen.
The new season does not begin until early August, when Aberdeen launch their Premiership campaign. The Europa League play-offs are not until August 21 and 28, giving plenty of time to work with the new signings. Previously, Aberdeen’s season began significantly earlier due to League Cup group stages or early Euro qualifiers. Thelin now has more time to completely integrate and gel his team before the new campaign begins, ensuring that they are prepared to fight on both the local and European fronts.
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