Jonny Hayes: Ex-Celtic winger makes 'significant financial sacrifice' to rejoin Aberdeen

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Jonny Hayes has returned to Aberdeen on a two-year deal.

The Republic of Ireland International winger was a free agent following his release by Celtic and is back at Pittodrie after three seasons at the Parkhead club.

Aberdeen said the player had made “a significant financial sacrifice” in order to return to the North-east.

“Given the challenging period the club is currently facing, this was a substantial gesture which unquestionably enabled the deal to be completed,” Aberdeen said in a statement on their website

Manager Derek McInnes said: “Bringing Jonny back to the club is fantastic. In light of the current financial circumstances as a result of the pandemic, this has only been possible due to Jonny being out of contract and his real desire to re-join Aberdeen.

“Jonny’s determination and willingness to return here is illustrated by his generous gesture to make it happen. He has never hidden his love for Aberdeen, and indeed I know his family enjoyed living in the North East, so it is no surprise to me that he was prepared to make a financial sacrifice in order to return.

“We sold Jonny to Celtic three years ago and he was a key player in our team, but he returns undoubtedly a better player for his experiences and will provide excellent cover in the left sided area of the pitch following Greg Leigh’s departure. I can’t wait to see him perform in our team once again.”

Hayes' time at Celtic was disrupted by injury, most notably a broken leg in his first season, but he helped the Parkhead club win three league titles and played in last season’s League Cup final win over Rangers and the 2019 Scottish Cup final win over Hearts.

He was often deployed at left-back by the Parkhead club.

Hayes, who spent five seasons at Aberdeen between 2012 and 2017, said:

“It is exciting to be an Aberdeen player again. The Club has made real progress since I have been away, particularly with the building of Cormack Park which looks brilliant. It was a major attraction in returning and as soon as the manager phoned and said Aberdeen were interested it was always my preferred choice.

“We were then able to come to an agreement to make the deal happen which was suitable for all parties. I appreciate it is a tough time for the Club given the current climate with Covid-19 but everyone wanted to make it happen. I was more than happy to play my part by foregoing some financial gain and I am just thankful it was concluded positively.

“I want to come back and win some winners medals. I think everyone associated with Aberdeen deserves it. There have been a few near misses with some of the recent Finals, but it would be very nice to come back and win some trophies.”