With the transfer rumour mill linking Kenny McLean with a switch to Rangers, we take a look at the likely Aberdeen squad for next season as things stand at the moment.
Players under contract
Joe Lewis
With 47 appearances this season, Joe Lewis has been an ever-present in the starting 11. He has been in fine form, conceding the second lowest number of goals this year behind only Celtic. With another year on his contract, he should be pulling on an Aberdeen strip again next season.
Mark Reynolds
The central defender has made 32 appearances for the Reds this season. He has been one of the Dons most consistent performers since he signed four years ago. He is under contract until 2018, and is likely to be a part of the squad next season.
Andy Considine
Having earned his testimonial match two years ago, there has been no sign of the defender letting up. He has made 44 appearances for the Dons this season, scoring a tremendous six goals. He has been a key part of the club’s recent success, and his experience could prove as the Reds look to at least secure second place next year.
Shay Logan
The right back has been a top perform the Dons in recent years. His attacking threat has caused problems for several opponent’s defences. Having signed a new two year contract at the end of last season, he is sure to be a part of Derek McInnes’s plans for next year.
Graeme Shinnie
The popular defender has made 46 appearances for the Dons this year. He has been one of the top defenders in Scotland in recent years, and with two years left on his contract he should be playing at Pittodrie again next season. If he keeps up his strong performances, he may be given more of a chance in the national team too.
Kenny McLean
The midfielder has improved rapidly since signing for the Dons, and the reported £300,000 spend appears to have been worth every penny. He is contracted for next year, but with reported interest from Rangers, could this be his last season in the Granite City? Any potential suitors would surely have to fork out in excess of £1million for him.
Miles Storey
The summer signing from Swindon has struggled to break in to the starting 11. His return of only one goal has been disappointing for a striker, and while he may be under contract, it remains to be seen whether he will be in the manager’s long-term plans.
Jonny Hayes
The Irishman has gone from strength to strength in his time at Pittodrie. He has a knack for scoring spectacular goals, and fans were delighted when he signed a new deal until 2019 earlier this season. He would be a key player for the Dons next year… But there are plenty of English Championship clubs lurking in the wings.
Jayden Stockley
The striker signed a two year contract when he arrived from Bournemouth at the start of the season. He has appeared regularly in the team, but he expressed frustration at making appearances from the bench earlier this year. With another year on his contract, he may be given the chance to make himself a key player next year.
Adam Rooney
The Irish striker has become a hero to the Dons faithful since signing in 2014. He has scored 19 goals in 47 appearances this year, including a goal after 12 seconds against Hibs on Saturday to take the club to the Scottish Cup final. If he continues his goalscoring exploits, he will be one of the first names on the teamsheet until his contract ends in 2020.
Players out of contract
Niall McGinn
The jinky winger has been a key player for the Dons since he signed in 2012, but it looks like his time with the club is coming to an end. It was announced earlier this year that he would leave the club at the end of the season, and barring a last minute change of mind, Derek McInnes is going to have a hard job to replace him.
Ryan Jack
The captain has been at the club since his youth football days, and has led the team by example with strong performances this season. With his contract due to expire, and reported interest from other clubs, including Rangers, there may be a new captain for the Reds next season. It would take a big turnaround for him stay on with the Dons.
Ryan Christie
The on-loan Celtic midfielder has brought a touch of class to the Aberdeen midfield. Having signed on a loan deal until the end of the season, he is unlikely to be part of the team beyond the end of this season.
Ash Taylor
The former Tranmere defender has been an important part of Aberdeen’s defence since he signed three years ago. The player revealed that he wanted to stay at the club in February, but only time will tell if a new contract can be agreed.
Peter Pawlett
The winger has been an almost ever present at the club for ten years. Having signed a pre-contract with MK Dons, it will be a strange experience for Dons fans not to hear his name on the Aberdeen teamsheet.
Neil Alexander
The experienced stopper has failed to make any first team appearances this season. It was confirmed in March that the player would be leaving the club at the end of his contract.
New signing
Greg Tansey
The 28-year-old midfielder signed a three year contract with the club earlier this year. He has been a consistent top performer in the Inverness midfield and if he can produce the same level of performance at Pittodrie he will quickly become a fan’s favourite.
