Graeme Shinnie seals Aberdeen return
Dons skipper signs three-year contract
Last updated 28th Jun 2023
Graeme Shinnie has signed for Aberdeen on a permanent transfer.
The 31 year old midfielder, who skippered the side to 3rd place whilst on-loan last season, has put pen to paper on a three-year contract after securing his exit from Wigan Athletic.
Boss Barry Robson's set to hand him the armband again as the Dons gear up for their return to group-stage European football.
Shinnie becomes Robson's 4th summer signing. Robson said : “Graeme is a captain, a real leader and is Aberdeen through and through,” the manager said.
“We’re absolutely delighted to get him back. This is where he belongs and his impact on the team and club last year was there for all to see.
“He is well aware of the level of expectation at this club and his wealth of experience will be a major advantage as we head into a busy season.”
Shinnie's pleased to be back at his spiritual home. He said : “My full focus was always on returning here. It’s a club I love. I feel like I am back home again.
“I’m looking forward to the season ahead. It’s going to be tough but we’re building a squad now that is going to be ready for what lies ahead and being able to play in the group stages of a European competition is something I’ve always wanted so there are exciting times ahead.
“I think the bond I’ve got here with the fans is amazing and I can’t wait to get back on the pitch at Pittodrie again and have them cheering us on but it’s important we get ready in pre-season and come together again as a club and perform as well as we can next season.”
Meanwhile, 6ft 5-inch centre-back Rhys Williams has joined Aberdeen on a season long loan from Liverpool.
An England Under 21 International, Rhys has made 14 starts for the Liverpool first team, with a further five appearances off the bench and has experience of playing in both the English Premier League and UEFA Champions League.
The 22-year-old has had previous loan spells with Blackpool and Swansea and arrives at Pittodrie to link up with his former team-mate, Leighton Clarkson, who he played alongside in the youth ranks.