Graeme Shinnie edging towards Aberdeen exit as talks collapse

Aberdeen captain Graeme Shinnie has been offered a new contract by the club, but they are ‘far apart’ from an agreement.

According to Anthony Joseph on X, the Dons have offered him a two-year deal, which includes a promise for him to gain coaching experience. However, the club and the player see the situation differently, and he could depart when his contract expires in the summer.

Inverness Caledonian Thistle are reportedly monitoring the situation and could make a move to snatch him up.

Aberdeen fans have taken to social media to give their thoughts on the situation, with some calling the contract length ‘mental’ and citing it as a reason why the club are in such a bad place. If he were to stay for that time, he would be 36 years old. Supporters are hoping that they can bring in new talent instead of relying on someone who is ‘past it’, and as things stand, it seems as though the club will go that route.

Although the Dons are happy to keep Shinnie, they could reignite their interest in Kilmarnock midfielder David Watson, who was a target in the winter transfer window. They tried to sign him last summer as well, so this could be the season that they finally get it over the line.

He is out of contract at the end of the month and has been a standout at Rugby Park this season. He looks set to depart, so could he be on his way to Pittodrie?

Aberdeen fans would undoubtedly be delighted to offer him a contract, and it would be a good opportunity for him. However, foreign interest could turn his head, with teams from the Italian top-flight Serie A reportedly keen on bringing him to mainland Europe.

With him being a Scotland Under-21 international, he could follow in the footsteps of other talent like Kieran Bowie. The former Hibs man made the move to Italy in January, and the country seems to be a hotspot for Scottish players, with the likes of Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour turning out for Napoli.

Only time will tell what will happen, but as things stand, Aberdeen may need to move sooner rather than later, with Shinnie talks not going as expected.