Shinnie to leave Aberdeen for Derby County at end of season
Midfielder agrees three-year deal and says it is ‘an opportunity I couldn’t turn down’
Derby county have announced the signing of Aberdeen skipper Graeme Shinnie on a three-year contract.
The 27-year-old Scotland international midfielder will officially complete the free transfer switch when his Dons deal expires at the end of June.
Rams boss Frank Lampard, pictured, told the club’s website: “Graeme will be an excellent addition to our squad for next season and beyond.
“He has been an extremely consistent performer for Aberdeen. He’s someone we’ve watched very closely and we think he will fit into our squad with his ability, attitude and characteristics.
“He has the rest of the season to conclude with Aberdeen but we look forward to welcoming Graeme to Derby County when he reports for pre-season training ahead of next season.”
Shinnie, who could yet be a Premier League player when he meets up with his new team-mates, said: “I’m looking forward to testing myself in English football and getting the next stage of my career started.
“This is a great opportunity for me to come to a club with such exciting potential as Derby County and I have been impressed with the manager’s plans for the future.”
Shinnie added on Aberdeen’s Red TV that it was a “really tough decision” to leave his home city club.
The former Inverness player added: “The club did everything they possibly could to keep me which was such a good feeling and I appreciate everything the club have done for me over the past four years. The club and the manager (Derek Mcinnes) have been different class with me, and I can only thank them.
“I love the place. That made the decision that bit harder.
“I have a great relationship with the manager, one of the strongest I have had. I have a great relationship with all the staff. There are so many people around the club that I get on well with. They have all really helped me. And I have a great relationship with the fans who have been so supportive towards me, ever since I arrived.
“The four years I have had at Pittodrie, I have some great memories but I just felt the age I am at and having a chance to go down to England and play at a club who are trying to push to get into the Premier League, this is an opportunity I could not turn down.”