Paul Third: Busy summer ahead for Aberdeen ahead of return to European football

June 1, 2025 GG Uncategorized 0

Paul Third: Busy summer ahead for Aberdeen ahead of return to European football.

The transfer merry-go-round is already whirling as the Dons prepare for new difficulties next season. Aberdeen fans are still basking in the warm light of Scottish Cup victory, but the Dons are already looking to build on their success at Hampden. The celebrations have continued all week, with supporters enjoying one social media montage after another. There is no hint of cup fatigue settling, which is not surprising given that the trophy has not been displayed proudly in the Granite City in 35 years.

However, at Pittodrie, while manager Jimmy Thelin and his players enjoy a break from training and matches, the work to enhance the squad never stops. However, in the days following the club’s triumphant victory, there is a palpable feeling of anticipation for what the winger would bring to the team. Since joining Aberdeen, the 23-year-old has been promoted to the Australian national team and named A League player of the year after scoring 12 goals and providing six assists in 23 games for Western Sydney Wanderers.

Nicolas Milanovic of Western Sydney Wanderers reacts to the fans after scoring. Image: Shutterstock.
Nicolas Milanovic of the Western Sydney Wanderers reacts to the crowd after scoring. Image: Shutterstock. If he can continue that level of performance in Aberdeen’s red shirt, Milanovic will be an interesting addition to Scottish football next season. Milanovic isn’t the only Aussie moving to the Dons; Nick Suman will make the far shorter travel across the city from Cove Rangers when he arrives for pre-season training at the end of this month. Suman, a custodian, was a highlight for Paul Hartley’s team during his two years at Balmoral Stadium, therefore his departure to a Premiership club comes as no surprise.

His performances for Cove sparked widespread interest, with Motherwell and Dundee United also interested in his services before Aberdeen won the race for the shot-stopper.

Aberdeen need to be better equipped for Europe

So, two in and 12 out at Pittodrie since the season ended. The number of new arrivals likely rise more in the coming weeks, but it would not be surprising if the departure list expands beyond the current dozen published last week. It seems evident that Aberdeen will have a very active transfer window this summer. It must be if the Dons are to balance the demands of European football and domestic competition next season. The Scottish Cup victory has provided Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin important time in that regard, with the Europa League play-off draw not taking place until August 4 and the ties being contested on August 21 and 28 respectively.

Dante Polvara, Duk and Shayden Morris celebrate the Dons taking the lead against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Conference League in 2023. Image: Shutterstock
Dante Polvara, Duk, and Shayden Morris celebrate the Dons gaining the lead over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Conference League 2023. Image: Shutterstock. However, Aberdeen, and Hearts last season, found it extremely difficult to handle those Thursday night challenges against Continental rivals before settling in for the domestic grind. It’s no surprise that both clubs failed to finish in the top six during their extended European runs. We’ll see how much we’ve learnt from that Pittodrie experience in the 2023-24 season.

But we know this: more depth and quality are absolutely necessary. Aberdeen are off to a strong start with Milanovic and Suman, who both possess those attributes.

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