Aberdeen announce signing of Nicky Devlin from Livingston

Aberdeen have made their first signing for next season after Nicky Devlin agreed a two-year deal with the Pittodrie club.

The Livingston captain, who has played for the Almondvale club more than 150 times, was at the end of his deal with David Martindale’s side and has opted to join Barry Robson’s team as they look to progress in domestic competition and in Europe next season.

Devlin’s impending move was already widely known after a photograph of the player signing his contract was leaked on social media.

Aberdeen played up the leak when confirming the deal, tweeting the picture with Devlin photoshopped out.

Exclusive, top secret signing news coming up 👀 pic.twitter.com/blP4WZlJoP
— Aberdeen FC (@AberdeenFC) June 1, 2023

Devlin said that part of the attraction of moving to Aberdeen was the opportunity to play in Europe, with the Dons guaranteed group stage football if Celtic defeat Inverness in the Scottish Cup on Sunday.

He said: “It’s great to be an Aberdeen player and I am really looking forward to the season ahead.

“Aberdeen really impressed me when the conversations first started about a potential move. The way the manager wants to take the club forward and the personal touches from all the staff contributed to my decision. Aberdeen was definitely the best fit for me.

“The opportunity to play in Europe was clearly an added attraction.

“I’ve had to work hard in my career to get where I am and so I want to do my very best at Aberdeen and grasp the fantastic opportunity I’ve been given.”

Aberdeen manager Barry Robson was delighted to add the right-back to his group of players as he plans for the new season.

“Nicky is a proven leader and is exactly the type of character I want within my squad here,” Robson said.

“He is an experienced professional who has been captain at two previous clubs, he knows the league well and is equipped for the demands we are going to face next season.”