Another striker? Left-back? David Turnbull? The signings Aberdeen fans think Dons still need in summer transfer window.
We asked Dons supporters some questions on transfers and team building. Here’s what they said. What summer transfer window signings do Aberdeen fans believe the club still has to make before the new season starts?
We asked them! Over the weekend, Dons chairman Dave Cormack stated that he expects Jimmy Thelin’s team to be reinforced by “three or four” more new faces ahead of a 2025/26 season in which the challenges of domestic league and cup ambitions will be heightened by a guaranteed Europa or Conference League group adventure.
The Reds have already added Australian A-League player of the year, wideman Nicolas Milanovic, for £400,000 as the marquee signing of the summer for far, plus two more Aussies in ex-Portsmouth striker Kusini Yengi and Cove Rangers goalkeeper Nick Suman.
Emmanuel Gyamfi looks to be Aberdeen’s first-choice left-back for the upcoming campaign, having arrived in a £200,000 switch from German Bundesliga 2 outfit Schalke 04.
Assessing the Dons’ squad right now against Thelin’s favoured 4-2-3-1 formation, and which players have departed since May’s Scottish Cup final success, who has come in so far, and the two-games-a-week strain of the season to come, I posed a few transfer/squad-building-related questions to supporters on X and our other social media channels.
In summary, I suggested Aberdeen still need:
- Another striker, having lost two loanees, top man Kevin Nisbet and Oday Dabbagh, at the close of the season and still not filling the Bojan Miovski-shaped hole left by the talisman’s departure at the start of last season.
- A No.10 – A creative, offensive midfielder capable of playing in the No.10 position following Jamie McGrath’s departure and Leighton Clarkson’s return to a deeper playmaking role.
- Another left-back/driving presence in midfield: I put them together because Thelin is unsure where skipper Graeme Shinnie, who began the season in centre-mid but was moved to left-back near the conclusion of the season, will be placed in the coming season.
- But did Aberdeen fans agree with me?
Aberdeen signings assessment on the money?
Several admirers thought my preceding assessment was very accurate (there’s a first time for everything!). @MuttonMan1983 said, “You are pretty much right on. “1. Striker – A focal point, commencing at No. 9 is a priority. “2. Attacking midfield, centre – currently occupied by big Pape (Gueye).” Although he does show glimpses of quality, they are few and far between. “3. Another forward – lack of depth with no Dabbagh or Nisbet.”
. Craig Robertson disagreed: “Definitely another striker, a hard-working midfielder with an eye for goal and left-sided defender minimum.” John Moar agreed (conditionally), noting, “The team in the middle of the park lacks inventiveness. We find it difficult to break down teams.
“It all appears to be about wingers, but he (Thelin) requires a No.10 or a combative midfielder. There aren’t many goals in midfield either; we need a solid substitute for McGrath.
“There will almost certainly be another striker. ”
(But) we won’t really know what we need until we see who’s staying and who’s going.”
Left-wing option required?
Kevin Smith was one of the fans who added an extra left-sided wideman to the discourse, saying: “A first-pick striker, a first-pick “10,” (and) competition at left wing, central midfielder.” “Sokler will not cut it (proven).” “Shinnie is used in rotation.”
@FreeNwakali added: “Striker and 10 are the two priorities, but another midfielder and winger wouldn’t hurt. “Left-back, we can probably get by with Gyamfi, (Alexander) Jensen, (Nicky) Devlin, Shinnie, (Mats) Knoester and (Gavin) Molloy all capable of filling in.” Grant Heath had this to say:
“Striker, No. 10, back-up left-back and maybe another winger, then hopefully offload some of the fringe players who likely won’t cut it.”
Naming names – including ex-Motherwell and Celtic man
Some Aberdeen fans believe the club should go over and above to re-sign Scotland international striker Nisbet from Millwall, even if it means another loan.
Former Motherwell and Celtic midfielder David Turnbull, who is presently committed to Cardiff City, is also on supporters’ want lists. Craig Coyle sent a request: “Nisbet, Turnbull, a Scandinavian box-to-box athlete, and a bonus ball loan please.” Paul Stephen wants to strengthen the Scottish contingent in the squad, adding:
“The value for money appears to be in various overseas markets, but a couple of players more familiar with the league probably also important for identity (not to mention home country quotas in Europe).”
It would also be great to have Nisbet back.” George Barbour said: “I’m not a fan of loan arrangements, but if Kevin Nisbet is unaffordable but still available, I’d bring him back for another season. “He is Scottish and would help with European home-based player rules.”
Give youth, including Fletcher Boyd, a chance
Some Aberdeen fans appear willing to forsake a new No.10 in exchange for more minutes for 17-year-old youth academy graduate Fletcher Boyd, who was a breakout sensation at the conclusion of the 2023/24 season but was a forgotten man (boy?) last term.
“Is Fletcher Boyd a creative ten?” Seen only briefly, but appears to be his role.” Ian McNeill added: “Will the young players get any pre-season experience? “They’ve done well on loan.” James MacNeil named two of the loanees, adding, “Why not give the Alfies a chance – Bavidge and Stewart? “They have proved themselves at Inverness (Caledonian Thistle).”
Aberdeen signings: Dons are ‘good to go’
Wandering Scotty was a standout among the responses to my questions, since he believes Thelin’s squad could be ready NOW. He stated, “If we play 4-3-3 with one pivot and two eights, we’re good to go.” “4-2-3-1 needs a 10, (but) we can make two acceptable teams with what we’ve got if we’re willing to risk giving Boyd minutes.” But Scotty added:
“I’d prefer a 10 and a striker who is comfortable with the ball at his feet. “Quality, not quantity.”
What do YOU think?
Please share your thoughts on Aberdeen’s summer transfer needs in the comments section below.
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