MILLION DOLLAR QUESTION
Would Houston hitman take a big pay cut to join Dons? You bet says Ramirez
CHRISTIAN RAMIREZ has taken a massive pay cut to sign for Aberdeen but the milliondollar striker insists it is a move he couldn’t turn down.
Record Sport exclusively broke the news of the Dons’ attempt to land the US international back in May. They have agreed a six-figure fee with Major League Soccer for the Houston Dynamo hitman, who was on a seven-figure contract in Texas. He has taken a major financial hit in order to sign up for Stephen Glass’ Pittodrie revolution on a long-term deal. That deal is now in place, subject to a work permit being issued and the 30-year-old passing a medical. Ramirez, who has been handed the No. 9 shirt, said: “I feel extremely blessed and excited about the opportunity to play for such a historic club, and more importantly to be part of this new era under Stephen Glass. “When the prospect of joining Aberdeen was presented to me, I knew it was one I couldn’t pass on. “I can’t wait to get to Aberdeen and meet the staff, players and supporters. I’m ready to give this club my all.” The twice-capped American said his goodbyes to his Dynamo teammates at the weekend and has been one of Glass’ top striking targets since he took over.
He knows him well from his time in America and assistant manager Allan Russell also worked with him during his spell Stateside.
Ramirez turned professional with Orange County Blue Star and moved to Charlotte Eagles. He then moved on to Minnesota United and Los Angeles FC before joining Houston in 2019.
Glass said: “Securing a centreforward was vital for us and, when we started looking, Christian immediately became a priority.
“We have had to work really hard as a club to get this finalised and we are delighted to be able to add a proven goalscorer who is still at a good age and is a full internationalist.
“We have no doubt he is going to add great value to our team and help all the individuals within it.
“His professionalism has been known to us for years through his relationship with Allan and his footballing ability will be obvious to everyone. I am sure he will display the reasons why we pursued this deal so vigorously.”
Ramirez will join Jay EmmanuelThomas as part of Aberdeen’s new look frontline next season.
Glass has also brought in rightback Jack Gurr from Atlanta United, Scott Brown from Celtic and Teddy Jenks from Brighton with Declan Gallagher due to join up shortly.
The chance to move to Aberdeen was one I could not pass on CHRISTIAN RAMIREZ ON HIS PITTODRIE SWITCH