Marc Guéhi was denied a transfer to Liverpool in the summer (Credits: Imago Images)
Stephen Robinson has been handed a transfer budget by the Aberdeen board as the club looks to reshape its squad ahead of the new season.
Chairman Dave Cormack and his fellow directors have backed previous managers heavily in the transfer window and will continue that approach this summer.
The funding will be directed toward players capable of making an immediate impact rather than long-term development prospects.
Aberdeen have already moved early in the window, securing free transfer deals for Alexander Briedl, Lewis Mayo and Brad Lyons ahead of next season.
Midfielder Connor Ronan is also set to join the club from Colorado Rapids once the transfer window officially opens.
Reducing the wage bill remains a significant priority for the Dons, who invested heavily in Jimmy Thelin’s squad following their Scottish Cup victory.
The club is actively looking to trim its playing squad, lower its wage outlay, and recover some of the fees it previously spent.
Robinson has made his requirements clear, stating that his squad needs a stronger spine built around players already proven in the Scottish game.
The arrivals of Mayo, Lyons and Ronan reflect that thinking directly, with Ronan having previously worked under Robinson at St Mirren.
Sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel is leading the club’s transfer activity on both the incoming and outgoing fronts this summer.
Nicolas Milanovic, Marko Lazetic, Ante Palaversa, Alexander Jensen and Kenan Bilalovic have all attracted interest from other clubs.
Western Sydney Wanderers are keen to bring Milanovic back, while Malmo are among those interested in signing Jensen.
Goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov could also depart, but Aberdeen will only sanction a sale if clubs meet the club’s valuation.
The transfer window not yet being open has created a frustrating waiting game for all parties involved in negotiations.
Aberdeen want to reduce squad numbers to open a clearer pathway for young talent emerging from their academy.
Midfielder Findlay Marshall has signed a new contract, with talks ongoing regarding extensions for Alfie Stewart and Alfie Bavidge.
Robinson is eager to complete his business quickly given that Aberdeen return to pre-season training at Cormack Park within two weeks.
The Dons face an early competitive test in the Premier Sports Cup group stage, beginning against Brora Rangers with Queen’s Park, Queen of the South and Kelty Hearts also in their section.
In a separate development, Aberdeen have confirmed Italian manufacturer Macron as their new kit supplier, replacing Adidas on a multi-year deal.
Chief executive Alan Burrows described the agreement as significant, saying: “Our new partnership with Macron is one of the most significant commercial deals in the club’s history.”
Burrows added that “Macron’s reputation for quality, design and close collaboration with clubs to capture their identity made them the right choice for Aberdeen FC following a highly competitive process.”
He also noted that the deal offers greater flexibility, saying: “What makes this partnership especially exciting is the opportunity to offer fans truly bespoke kits, which we believe will be important as we continue to grow the retail side of the business.”
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