Celtic have signed the experienced winger Jonny Hayes from Aberdeen.
The Scottish champions have already confirmed the deal on their official website and the 29-year-old seemed delighted to have completed his transfer.
“I’m delighted,” Hayes told Celtic’s official website. “It’s been in the pipeline for a little while now but I’m pleased to finally get here. Celtic have done well over the last few seasons and with the manager coming in last year he raised the level again. It was hard last year seeing all the celebrations and all the stuff on social media, and you want that for yourself. Now it’s my chance and hopefully, going forward, I can create my own little bit of history and take the chance I’ve been given.”
Hayes had worked with Brendan Rodgers before at Reading and the player was keen on linking up with the former Liverpool manager once again.
There is no mention of the fee but Hayes has signed a three-year contract with Celtic. As a part of the deal, Ryan Christie will join Aberdeen on a season-long loan.
Hayes has been a key player for Aberdeen since 2012 and has helped them to a top-two finish in the last three seasons. The experienced winger revealed that prospect of playing Champions League football was one of the major reasons why he joined Celtic.
The 29-year-old winger had an impressive season with Aberdeen last year and he ended up scoring 11 times. Hayes was instrumental in his side’s top two finish in the Scottish Premiership. He was the only non-Celtic player to feature on a four-man shortlist for PFA Scotland Player of the Year.
He said: “You can’t get away from the Champions League. I can imagine it is the reason many players have wanted to come here … Everybody knows about the atmosphere of Champions League nights at Celtic Park. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want a part of that.”
It will be interesting to see how Aberdeen replace their star player now. Derek McInnes will be looking to strengthen his side ahead of the new season.
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