Connor Ronan has set his sights on European football and silverware after leaving America to link up with Stephen Robinson again at Aberdeen.
The midfielder has signed a two-year deal with the option of a third at Pittodrie following a spell with Colorado Rapids, as exclusively revealed by Record Sport.
And Ronan says he can’t wait to get started after being tempted back to Scottish football by Robinson who he worked under in the second half of his loan spell at St Mirren four years ago.
The 28-year-old becomes the Dons’ sixth summer signing and will hook up with his new team mates when they return for pre-season training today.
And he said: “From the first conversations I had with the manager, it was clear what the club is trying to build and where I fit into those plans.
“I’ve worked with Stephen before, and I know exactly what he’ll expect from me. That was a really important factor.
“I had a chat with the manager, all these little things where you have background knowledge it helps make a decision.
“Aberdeen is a huge football club with big ambitions and that’s difficult to turn down.
“I want to be part of helping the club compete at the top end of the table, return to Europe and challenge for trophies.
“I would consider myself a technical midfielder. What I lack in size I like to move the ball quick, one and two touch and make things happen.
“From a personal point of view, I want to contribute goals, assists and strong performances, but above all else I want to help the team be successful. That’s what matters most.”
Former Ireland U21 international Ronan broke through at Wolves where he made 18 top team appearances and was handed his pro debut at 18 by Paul Lambert.
But he spent much of his seven years at Molineux on loan to Portsmouth, Walsall, Dunajska Streda, Blackpool, Grasshoppers Zurich and latterly St Mirren.
Ronan’s creative spark in midfield saw him win a move to the States with Colorado in 2023 and he made 83 appearances for the Western Conference side, scoring two goals.
Now he’s determined to win a first major honour now he’s back in the UK with the Dons.
And Pittodrie boss Robinson said: “We’re delighted to bring Connor to Aberdeen.
“He is a player I know from his time in Scotland and someone whose qualities we have admired for a number of years.
“He’s a creative player who will bring valuable experience to our midfield. He has a strong work ethic, can score goals and has clearly matured during his time in MLS.
“Just as importantly, he has the character and professionalism that we want within the squad. We’re looking forward to working with him and seeing the impact he can make.”
Robinson will put his new-look squad through their paces for the first time today having added Ronan, Toyosi Olusanya, Lewis Mayo, Brad Lyons, Alexander Briedl and Dan Happe so far this summer.