CARY, N.C. – North Carolina FC announced four signings on Thursday, including the return of veteran defender Futty Danso to the club, pending receipt of his international transfer certificate and league and federation approval.

NCFC also welcomed former FC Dallas defender Aaron Guillen, and midfielders Cameron Steele and Graham Smith, who sign their first professional contracts with the club after strong college careers.

Danso previously made 19 appearances for NCFC in the 2015 season, part of a career that has seen the center back compete and both the USL and Major League Soccer level for the Portland Timbers. Most recently the Gambian had competed for Kelantan FC in Malaysia, but he is excited to be back in Cary for the new season.

“I’m happy to sign again with a club that has given me a lot,” said Danso. "I’ve been connected since my PDL days here. I’ve seen what the club has accomplished in the Triangle area and I’m excited to see it continue to grow. Going into the season, the only reason you play is to win. That’s the only thing we want accomplish this year – winning the league. That’s the goal for the team and that’s what I’m here to do.”

“We’re happy to sign him,” said North Carolina FC Head Coach Colin Clarke. “He’s been with us before and knows what’s expected. He’s someone that is going to bring size and presence to the backline. He’s a good defender. We’re happy to have him back and he’s going to be a big help to us defensively.”
 
Guillen joins the club following two seasons with FC Dallas. The 24-year-old center back made eight appearances and played 594 minutes in MLS during the past two seasons, and also competed on loan in the 2017 USL season with Tulsa Roughnecks FC. Guillen was also a former standout in the PDL, where he won the 2013 Championship with the Austin Aztex, and brings qualities that Clarke believes will be a big positive for his side.

“[He] certainly fills a need at center back on the left side being naturally left footed,” said Clarke. “He’s a young kid that picks up slack, and did well grinding at FC Dallas as one of their homegrown players. I think he is someone who can be here for years to come and be a very good player for us.”

Smith will make his professional debut for NCFC following his college career at the University of South Florida. The central midfielder was a star with the Bulls from 2014 to 2016 where he dominated the defensive midfield and made 60 appearances with the team.

Steele previously played for North Carolina FC U-23, and now turns professional with the club after wrapping up his college career at Penn State. The central midfielder played for Triangle FC Academy (now NCFC Youth) during his youth career and is the latest product to come through the club’s youth-to-pro pipeline.