ABERDEEN have confirmed the signing of ex-Celt Jonny Hayes. After three years with the Scottish Champions, Hayes elected to return to Pittodrie after the decision was made not to renew his contract.

It was expected this week Aberdeen would complete the deal and the Derek McInnes’ side put out a statement announcing that Hayes had joined on a two year deal. The Irishman trained with his teammates as the Dons prepare for the August restart. Supporters would have expected Hayes to sign an extension at Celtic; however, due to Coronavirus, the Scottish Champions appeared to prioritise new signings as opposed to retaining squad players like Simunovic and Hayes – meaning the pair were released.

He's back! 😍#StandFree

— Aberdeen FC (@AberdeenFC) June 23, 2020

🔴⚪ First day back (second time around) #StandFree pic.twitter.com/vwUhQmJJqn

— Aberdeen FC (@AberdeenFC) June 23, 2020

Brendan Rodgers signed the Irishman in 2017 after impressive performances for the Reds; however, the main man in the granite city found himself playing a lesser role with the Scottish Champions. Hayes made inroads into the Celtic first team and was appearing to establish himself as a permanent fixture when a leg break at Dundee on Boxing Day hampered his progress.

Regardless of that injury, Hayes returned and was part of the Treble Treble side. Hayes lived the dream and played for Celtic. In 62 appearances for the Scottish Champions, Hayes’ highlight was probably his goal at Ibrox, which sealed Celtic’s 2-0 win over Steven Gerrard’s side. The Irishman leaves the club with 8 winners medals after being part of one of the club’s most successful periods.

Hayes had been likely to get a new deal from the Scottish Champions; however, the Coronavirus pandemic may have drastically changed Celtic’s plans for the next season meaning that players that are on a decent wage are to be moved on to make space for new signings to improve the side.

Earlier this month, Hayes, who turns 33 in July, said that he would be hoping that he gets game time wherever he ends up.

“If you’re on the outskirts and not playing each week then it’s an easier decision to be made.

“But when you are involved and playing, it comes down to football. Maybe, for whatever reason, if I’d stayed at Celtic, I might not have got as much game time.

“I’m a little bit older now, it’s probably better for me to go out and play more regularly.”

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— The Celtic Star Editor – INVINCIBLE (@CelticStarMag) June 22, 2020