Aberdeen manager Stephen Robinson and sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel face a challenging summer transfer window. After arriving to an underwhelmed reaction from supporters, Robinson now has the chance to make this Aberdeen squad his own. The former St Mirren boss was appointed to steer the Dons away from the relegation zone and avoid the dreaded Premiership relegation play-off. Mission accomplished, but much more will be expected over the 2026/27 campaign. While a top-six finish was a cause for celebration at St Mirren, it is a minimum requirement at Pittodrie.
Financial Constraints and Squad Overhaul
Robinson has admitted that he will have to generate most of his own funds this summer through player sales. Along with sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel, he has been tasked with slashing the wage bill, meaning doing more with less will be the objective for this window. Captain Graeme Shinnie has already moved on, as have Tom McTintyre, Vicente Besuijen, Elvis Bwomono, and Ryan Duncan. Record Sport looks at who else might be departing the club this summer.
Goalkeepers
The Dons are well-stocked in the goalkeeping department and are likely to move at least one on if they can this summer.
- Dimitar Mitov: The big Bulgarian international has been Aberdeen's No. 1 for the past two seasons. The club would listen to offers, but they would need to be well in excess of the £200,000 they paid St Johnstone for him in 2024. He has another year left on his deal, and if he does not move on, the Dons will take up the 12-month option to protect themselves.
- Nick Suman: The big Australian finally made his debut on the final game of the season at Dundee. He is most likely to move on if he gets the opportunity to play elsewhere.
- Per Bartlett: The Norwegian international signed an 18-month deal. He hoped to come to Aberdeen to play and force his way into his nation's World Cup squad, but it did not work out that way. The Dons are unlikely to stand in his way if he can get regular first-team football.
Defenders
Defence is an area where Aberdeen have strength and depth. Lewis Mayo and Dan Happe are incoming, while Mats Knoester and Kristers Tobers are expected to be fit for pre-season. Jack Milne and Gavin Molloy can play centrally or as full-backs. They also have Nicky Devlin and Dylan Lobban for right-back, and Emmanuel Gyamfi and Mitchel Frame for left-back.
- Alexander Jensen: The Danish defender was a standout when he first signed but lost confidence last season. He was also asked to play out of position at left-back. Nicky Devlin and Jack Milne were preferred at right-back by Robinson. There is still good value in the player, and Aberdeen should get their £700,000 or more. Malmo, along with several other Danish and Swedish clubs, are interested.
- Jack Milne: The academy graduate played a lot of football last season and has caught the eye of teams in England and Major League Soccer. It would take a decent bid for Aberdeen to sell the central defender.
Midfield
Midfield has lost captain Graeme Shinnie and Lyall Cameron, who returned to Rangers. Robinson has moved to fill the gaps with Brad Lyons and Alexander Briedl. Connor Ronan is also expected to add attacking threat when he arrives from Colorado Rapids.
- Ante Palaversa: The Croatian came in and looked set to be central to Jimmy Thelin's plans but was then made available for transfer. Robinson brought him in for a couple of starts but he did not make the expected impact. He now has options in Europe and Asia and is likely to exit Aberdeen this summer.
- Kjartan Mar Kjartansson: The Iceland under-21 cap was brought in as a project player but hardly got any game time under Thelin or Robinson. The midfielder needs games, and Robinson has hinted he could go out on loan next season.
Wingers
This is one area where Aberdeen fans are most intrigued. Will Robinson bring wingers into play next season? He predominantly used a 3-5-2 formation to keep Aberdeen safe but opened up with wide options in the second half away to Livingston.
- Topi Keskinen: In financial terms, the Finnish international is probably Aberdeen's biggest asset. They bought him for around £850,000. He has broken into the Finnish squad, and his pace will attract many clubs this summer. Danish side OB are already watching, and others may launch bids.
- Nicolas Milanovic: Things have not happened for the Australian at Aberdeen. He arrived with huge expectation but never showed the form that earned him the A-League's best young player award. He has been told he can go, and Western Sydney Wanderers are keen to re-sign him.
- Kenan Bilalovic: Another long-term signing. The Swede has pace and has scored a couple of goals but struggled to make a consistent impact. He is still young with potential, but will he fit into Robinson's team? Aberdeen spent a fair amount on him and would look to recoup that.
Strikers
This is the area Robinson needs to get right. Aberdeen lacked goals last season, and apart from Kevin Nisbet, they struggled for firepower. Robinson will look to bring in at least two strikers.
- Marko Lazetic: The big Serb has produced moments of magic but does not look like the long-term answer. The former AC Milan striker is keen to move on, and it would suit both parties. The Dons signed him on a free transfer, so they can cut their losses and come to an agreement with AC Milan over sell-ons.
- Kusini Yengi: The striker returns to Aberdeen this summer after struggling to make his mark last season. He was sent on loan to Japan, but that move was ended by injury. He should be fit for pre-season, but Aberdeen will look to offload one of their higher earners.
- Peter Ambrose: The striker is now in the final year of his contract after a poor spell in Hungary where he failed to score. The writing is on the wall for the Nigerian, and he may need to move to restart his career.
