Aberdeen have opened talks with Andrew Fasanya over a first professional contract. The Dons' youngest-ever player will turn 16 next month, which would allow him to sign his first professional deal in December.
Fasanya made history when he made his Aberdeen bow in July in the Premier Sports Cup against Kelty Hearts, aged 15 years, seven months and 12 days old. SPFL chiefs then changed their rules to allow under-16s to play in the league. He came off the bench in the away defeat to Dundee in August.
English interest and pathway
Fasanya has been courted by several English clubs, but Aberdeen are looking to put that to bed. Manager Stephen Robinson and sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel are big fans of the Aberdeen protege. They have ensured that there is a genuine pathway to the Aberdeen first-team on a permanent basis for Fasanya, who could also represent Nigeria.
Pfannenstiel has also worked hard behind the scenes to get a deal in place. Fasanya has been training full-time at Aberdeen, under Robinson, although that has also been worked around his schooling. The teenager and his family are keen for the youngster to complete his education.
Academy talent and other contract talks
The Scotland under-17 international is viewed as one of the top talents to have come through the Cormack Park academy in recent seasons. Robinson has also made it clear that he wants to give youth a chance. Midfielder Findlay Marshall is now getting regular exposure in the first-team.
Aberdeen are also in dialogue with first-team defender Gavin Molloy over a new deal. The Irish defender is out of contract in the summer. Robinson has already said he would like him to extend that agreement. Talks are on-going between the Dons and Molloy's representative.
