Aberdeen season preview
Listen as Martin Dowden previews the season ahead for Aberdeen with fan and podcaster Erin Grieve and Press & Journal joint sports editor Ryan Cryle.
Image source, SNSAberdeen were disappointed with compensation received for Connor Barron (left)
Aberdeen have changed the focus of their academy structure to give young players earlier first-team experience by using Scottish football's new loan system while being "more aggressive" in attracting talent from other parts of the country and abroad.
The Scottish Premiership club has decided it will not participate in the new Club Academy Scotland (CAS) Under-19s programme and will instead train players at that level with the first-team under a new "transition coach".
Meanwhile, Aberdeen will make use of the "more flexible" new co-operation agreements with lower-level clubs where young players can be sent out on loan but recalled at any time outside of normal transfer windows.
Aberdeen say it is a result of some "difficult conversations" in an "extensive review" over how "to make best use of our £2.2m annual investment in youth development".
They say the transition of players from youth football to the first-team "has been getting progressively more difficult over the last decade" for all clubs and concluded "we have not adequately resourced" this area.
Meanwhile, Aberdeen were disappointed with the level of compensation for midfielder Connor Barron's switch to Rangers last summer and the effects of Brexit on the UK transfer market.
Director of football Steven Gunn told the club website said they needed a different approach "focusing on quality and not quantity".
"As a result, our young players won't be taking part in the newly adopted CAS U19s programme, but we will compete in the new CAS U17s format where the team will be predominantly made up of our schoolboys playing up an age group," he said.
To "expose our best young players to senior, competitive football at a much younger age", this group, "sitting under the transition coach", who will be appointed in the coming weeks, "will train with first team on a daily basis".
Gunn said Aberdeen "has committed additional budget" and would "take a much more aggressive approach to strategic recruitment of younger players, both from Scotland and abroad, to complement the very best players progressing from our own academy".
Image source, SNSAberdeen are "feverishly working" through various recruitment processes to identify players who can "fit the key roles" in Jimmy Thelin's side, says chairman Dave Cormack.
The Scottish Cup winners have added forwards Nicolas Milanovic and Kusini Yengi, defender Emmanuel Gyamfi and goalkeeper Nick Suman to their squad.
Cormack insists "patience" is required as the Dons remain "disciplined" in their pursuit of more incomings, but he expects "another three or four" to come in this summer.
"The important thing for us is to be disciplined in the decisions we make in bringing players in," the chairman said in a wide-ranging interview, external.
"There's a lot of competition for the same players, particularly young players in Scotland.
"We just need to be disciplined because with this player trading approach we have, we're making a decision to lose £3m or £4m operationally a year as a club.
"To do that, you need to balance out with, if we're going to spend that more on wages, which will help us - for example, on transfer fees - then the player training model is important for the club."
At the forefront of that model is head of recruitment Nuno de Almeida, who worked with manager Thelin at Elfsborg.
"We've probably doubled our scouting [with the team in place]," added Cormack.
"We've got full-time scouts in Scandinavia and in southern Europe working with Nuno and they are feverishly working through groups of players we believe can fit the key roles Jimmy's still looking to fill.
"It really is a case of trying to be patient and allowing these guys to get on with their work."
Image source, Getty ImagesNicolas Milanovic has promised Aberdeen fans he will bring "a lot of exciting things" when Jimmy Thelin's side kick off their new season.
The Australia Under-23 winger signed a pre-contract with the Dons in May and has been working on his "chemistry" with his new team-mates at their pre-season camp in Portugal.
"It's been good," he told Aberdeen's club media. "Everyone's been really, really welcoming.
"I think that was one of the main things in my head when I was coming, how the changing room was going to be, how were the boys going to be towards me and the group, but I can't fault them at all.
"Nearly every player's come up to me and asked me about my life and what's been my story."
Next campaign will include European football until winter for Aberdeen, with the Dons discovering their Europa League play-off opponent on 4 August.
And Milanovic is hoping to "get fans off seats" in the big games.
"I like to get the ball and really carry it forward and create chances," he added.
"I like to play on the wing but also like to come inside as well and play in that little pocket.
"Fans can expect a lot of exciting things, shooting, dribbling, crossing - it's more my game - but the good thing is I've really improved on my defending and the gaffer here is really big on that.
"I'm looking forward to meeting those standards and showing the fans to get them off their seats, while driving the ball towards goal. That's my thing."
Aberdeen need to sign at least four players in time for the new season, says club great Willie Miller. (Press and Journal - subscription required), external
Image source, SNSManager Jimmy Thelin believes Aberdeen's historic Scottish Cup final triumph will inspire everyone at the club going into next season.
The Dons beat Celtic in a dramatic penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw at Hampden Park in May to claim the famous trophy for the first time in 35 years.
The memorable victory also guaranteed European league phase football next term.
"There is a lot of inspiration there and it's nice to be back again," the Swede said from Aberdeen's pre-season training camp in Portugal.
"We have some new players coming into the team, and we always have to work hard and try to take as many steps as possible in a short time.
"When you're together 24/7, it's always good to work with the identity, the behaviours, how we treat each other, the principles of the game.
"It's important now we are clear, what we want to achieve and how we want to play and with what style and identity on the pitch."
Recalling the momentous cup celebrations, the 47-year-old added: "The Scottish Cup win was one of the best moments of my life.
"When you think about it, it's always there in a really good spirit. But I also know we have to keep working and improving. Now we have to look ahead and try to prepare for a new season.
"That inspires everybody to try again. I know it's really difficult, but we have to try and we have to believe and go and try to be the best we can be."
Ross County are in talks to sign 19-year-old Aberdeen midfielder Adam Emslie, who spent last season on loan to Cove Rangers. (Sky Sports), external
Adam Emslie is set to knock back the chance to remain in the Scottish Premiership with promoted Livingston, having also had interest from St Johnstone, with the Aberdeen midfielder preferring a move to Ross County on a two-year contract in a transfer that includes a number of add-ons and future incentives. (Daily Record), external
Adam Emslie is wanted on a permanent transfer by Ross County, but they face competition from a host of clubs and the winger could yet remain with Aberdeen. (Press & Journal), external
Read Tuesday's Scottish Gossip in full.
Image source, SNSScotland internationals Greg Taylor (left), Lawrence Shankland (centre) & Allan Campbell (right) are all set to become free agents
BBC Sport has taken a look at which players will be free agents on 1 July.
The majority of major football leagues run from late summer to late spring, with pre-season in June and July. Therefore, contracts across most divisions typically expire at 23:59 on 30 June each year.
Those whose contracts are expiring but have already agreed transfers to new clubs are not included, as they will not become free agents.
Some Scottish Premiership contracts expire on 31 May rather than 30 June - the below players either already are or will become free agents.
Aberdeen: Tom Ritchie
Celtic: Greg Taylor
Dundee: Scott Fraser, Antonio Portales, Joe Shaughnessy
Dundee United: David Babunksi, Allan Campbell, Lewis Moult, Bryan Mwangi
Falkirk: N/A
Hearts: Jorge Grant, Barrie McKay, Lawrence Shankland
Hibernian: Maksymilian Boruc, Junior Hoilett
Kilmarnock: Kyle Magennis, Kieran O'Hara, Kyle Vassell
Livingston: N/A
Motherwell: Moses Ebiye, Harry Paton, Dominic Thompson, Davor Zdravkovski
Rangers: Adam Devine, Tom Lawrence, Ianis Hagi
St. Mirren: Dennis Adeniran, Elvis Bwomono
Aberdeen chairman Dave Cormack has told Red TV he expects another three or four new signings at Pittodrie this summer in addition to the four already secured. (Press & Journal), external
Read Monday's Scottish Gossip in full.
Image source, SNSMats Knoester said it was a quick and easy decision to sign a contract extension at Aberdeen to 2029.
The Dutch centre-back, who signed from Ferencvaros in February on a two-and-a-half-year deal, made 17 Dons appearances last season, including the full Scottish Cup final victory over Celtic as Jimmy Thelin's side prevailed on penalties.
"It was quite fast that we agreed [a new deal]," he told club media.
"I've had a good past half year with a great ending, of course.
"Even if I take that away and I just look at how I got here, how I was welcomed, how I was feeling, my family, it's been really good so there not a lot of thoughts needed to agree on a contract."
If anything could have swayed it, though, Aberdeen's historic Scottish Cup win in May might have just done it.
Knoester was a rock at the back as Jimmy Thelin's side shocked Celtic. And that shock continued for the defender in the days to come.
"It was the days after really you good feel how big it was," he added.
"The parade, almost everyone was out - I didn't even know so many people lived in Aberdeen - the streets were full so we could definitely see how much it meant.
"You can't buy those experiences, it's in the soul of the club and it's an experience for life."
Aberdeen chairman Dave Cormack rules out selling winger Topi Keskinen, 22, this summer. (Daily Record), external
Read the rest of Sunday's Scottish gossip.
Image source, SNSAberdeen say they have secured investment of £8m, mainly to be used to improve the club's training ground, Cormack Park.
The installation of a new full-sized indoor arena will be part of the project.
"The vision is for a new covered 4G facility to be situated on the current undeveloped Neale Cooper Pitch 6, to allow for all-year-round use for our men and women's teams, both academies, AFCCT programmes and other local junior and amateur teams," the club said.
"We will also be making some additional improvements to Pittodrie Stadium over the next two years, in line with our previously announced medium-term plan of remaining at our current home."
And chairman Dave Cormack added: "Together with our investors, I remain committed to driving Aberdeen FC forward and continuing to make our supporters and the region proud of its football club."
Aberdeen fans, we asked you how Jimmy Thelin should build on the momentum gathered by that Scottish Cup wins. Here's a taste of what you had to say...
Douglas: With pacy wingers such a big part of our game, it's a no-brainier we need a top-notch six-yard box finisher. Midfield alternatives to the excellent Graeme Shinnie and Sivert Heltne Nielsen must be on the horizon. A Jamie McGrath-type playmaker too.
Gordon: By building a strong squad of real quality players and probably a different tactical set up. Overall 4-2-3-1 hasn't worked for us. We can't afford two out-and-out wingers as that always leaves us a man short in midfield. Also, you can't build a goal-scoring partnership when you always play a lone striker.
For me, 4-4-2 gives the team more solidity and shape, Topi Keskinen on left of midfield and Nicolas Milanovic on the right with Shayden Morris as the impact sub.
Steve: They'll need one squad for the Premiership and one for Europe, with a tweaking between the two. We saw last time in Europe, we more or less played the same team on the Thursday and Sunday, leading to players being burned out, losing the momentum we'd shown the second half of the season prior. It will all come down to money - what's left in the pot now?
Prioritise what you want, a good run in Europe or finish as high up the league as possible? If we could only try and get Miovski back on loan!
Anthony: The second-half of last season was an absolute disaster due to tactical rigidity. There have been many new names but it remains to be seen whether the Dons tactical approach will become more flexible. The first three games will be most instructive. European may be a distraction that earns money.
Arch: Building momentum will need a larger and better quality squad to handle both Europe and the league. Both Hearts and the Dons have fallen over in this respect in recent years. Better defenders are essential, as are sharper strikers and a stronger midfield. Thelin has done a great job in his first season, taking the club from nowhere to a major domestic trophy and European group stage football. If there's a problem it won't be the manager.
Chris: All we seem to do is to sign non-Scottish players. We had a half-hearted attempt to sign [Lyall Cameron], who went to Rangers. Yes, we have signed some good players but not all of them are good. What could be even worse is seeing Bojan Miovski coming back in green and white hoops!
If I was Thelin I would try to prize Simon Murray away from Dundee - he could do a good job for us.
Image source, BBC SportAberdeen are keen on Degerfors winger Elias Pihlstrom but Dutch clubs PEC Zwolle and FC Utrecht are also interested in the 18-year-old Swede. (Kt-Kuriren & FotbollDirekt via Daily Record, external)
Highlights: Aberdeen 1-1 Celtic (Aberdeen win 4-3 on penalties)
Just one month on from Aberdeen's stunning Scottish Cup win, the Dons players have had to come off cloud nine to return for pre-season training.
Given how momentous - and lengthy - the celebrations were following the Hampden triumph, there may still be a some sore heads at Cormack Park this morning.
But those heads need to refocus for the fast approaching new season, which will include guaranteed European football until the winter.
The Dons have a Europa League play-off to come in late August thanks to their cup win, and they'll find out their opponent on 4 August.
Should they lose, will drop straight into the Conference League proper.
Before that, Jimmy Thelin's side have a tough Scottish Premiership start with trips to Tynecastle and Tannadice bookending a visit from Celtic in their first three fixtures.
A stronger and more consistent league campaign will be on the wish-list at Aberdeen following their fifth-placed finish last term.
Last week, ex-Dons striker Lee Miller insisted his former side must "build momentum" from their cup win, but just how do they go about doing that?
Aberdeen could be in line for a transfer windfall from former midfielder Ylber Ramadani, with reports in Italy saying the Lecce player is a target for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ain. (Record), external
Manager Jimmy Thelin is eager to improve Aberdeen's away form. (Press and Journal - subscription required), external
Kevin Nisbet, who was on loan to Aberdeen from Millwall last season, is not a target for Heart of Midlothian, with head coach Derek McInnes hopeful of convincing fellow Scotland striker Lawrence Shankland to stay at Tynecastle Park. (Hearts Standard), external
Nicolas Milanovic rejected offers from a number of European clubs before signing for Aberdeen and the striker has the weapons to take the Scottish Premiership and European group stage football by storm, according to Western Sydney Wanderers head coach Alen Stajcic, whose club sold the 23-year-old for a fee of around £400,000. (Press & Journal), external
Read Sunday's Scottish Gossip in full.
Image source, SNSWe asked for your views on Aberdeen's Scottish Premiership fixtures and how they will be faring after 10 games.
Here's what some of you said:
Anthony: A tough opening couple of weeks, hopefully we do well enough that we don't take a psychological hit, but the fixtures in September look much more winnable. The huge factor that makes it difficult is the European league phase. Doesn't matter which competition we end up in, teams of our size always struggle adapting to midweek European matches. The fans will have to be patient, I reckon, which has never been the Red Army's strong suit.
Jimibub: As much as I wish Derek [McInnes] well, I hope we give him a rude awakening in his first league fixture at Hearts. It's a tough start to the season, especially considering the European challenge, but bring it on. If we want European football money, we need to be able to balance the requirements. Beat Hearts, draw with Celtic, beat Dundee United and I think we have a good domestic start on our hands.
Kev: Some tricky away games, and some even trickier home matches in the opening 10. However, ever the optimist, I'm expecting a lightning start to the season again this year and for the Dandies to be in the top two - hopefully!
Eric: I don't think we could have had a harder first games to start, and certainly can't afford to lose all three. The next three are better, but we have to end up no worse than fourth overall, otherwise that is a disaster. With the first two places inevitable, our battle must be third/fourth with a target of 60 points.
Andy: Well that's a good question and, given last year's shenanigans, completely unanswerable. However, I'll have a go at 17 points after 10 games: five wins, two draws and three defeats.
Image source, SNSFormer striker Lee Miller believes Aberdeen's Scottish Cup win will have given all at Pittodrie "a massive boost" but now they must build "momentum" from it.
Jimmy Thelin's side shocked Celtic to lift their first Scottish Cup in 35 years and secured a spot in the Europa League play-off round in the process.
"It's been a long time coming, a Scottish cup up there," ex-Dons forward Miller said.
"I think they can only take positives out of that, having beaten a really good Celtic team that did really well through the season.
"I think they need to come off the back of that and have the momentum to now kick on in the new season."
The fixtures for the new Scottish Premiership season were announced earlier today and Miller added it will be difficult for the Pittodrie side to balance domestic football and European adventures.
"I think it's going to be tough for Aberdeen, but I think we will eventually - as a nation, as clubs in our country - get better at it," he said.
"The whole journey around being in Europe, whether it's different weeks leading up to it, different training days, we need to get better at adjusting to being in Europe because it has taken its toll over our teams over the past few seasons.
"We've got so many sports scientists and people that look into that, but as players, I think you want to play in games of that stature."
Opta have crunched the numbers to rank the difficulty of each Scottish Premiership club's first four fixtures of the 2025-26 season.
According to their data model, St Mirren have the toughest start, followed by two clubs helmed by new managers, Dundee and Motherwell.
As for the easiest, Hibernian and capital rivals Hearts should got off to a flier, right?
Take a look below to see where your side places...
