Aberdeen re-sign Graeme Shinnie as Liverpool's Rhys Williams joins on loan
- Published
- comments
Graeme Shinnie and Rhys Williams are Aberdeen's latest signings
Former captain Graeme Shinnie is "back home" at Aberdeen after re-joining on a three-year deal from Wigan Athletic.
The midfielder, 31, spent the second half of last term on loan at Pittodrie, helping the Dons to third place in the Scottish Premiership.
Aberdeen have also signed Liverpool defender Rhys Williams, 22, on loan for the 2023-24 season.
"Graeme is a captain, a real leader and is Aberdeen through and through," said manager Barry Robson.
"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."
A Scottish Cup winner with Inverness in 2015, Shinnie reached and lost three finals with Aberdeen, each to Celtic. He also played an influential role in three runners-up finishes in the league under then-boss Derek McInnes, playing 144 times between 2015 and 2019.
Capped six times by Scotland, Shinnie left Aberdeen for Derby County in 2019, before joining Wigan in January 2022.
"My full focus was always on returning here," said Shinnie. "It's a club I love. I feel like I am back home again.
"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."
Williams has played 19 times for Liverpool and been loaned out to Swansea City and Blackpool.
"Coming from Liverpool, Rhys joins us with a great pedigree," said Robson. "He's athletic, tall and we think we can improve him and give him the platform to continue his development. I've no doubt he'll become a real asset for the team."
And Williams added: "There's a lot to look forward to this season, particularly with European football, and I can't wait to get started and show everyone what I am capable of."
Our coverage of Aberdeen is bigger and better than ever before - here's everything you need to know to make sure you never miss a moment