JONNY HAYES has signed a two-year deal with Aberdeen. The 32-year-old was released by Celtic earlier this month and will rejoin Derek McInnes’ side after three years in Glasgow.
The Daily Record are reporting that Hayes will sign this week following a medical after agreeing a vastly reduced contract.
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.”
