Attacker Ryan Duncan confirms Aberdeen exit

Youth academy graduate Duncan, 22, spent the final season of his Dons contract on loan at Ross County, having previously made 53 appearances for the Reds.

May 19, 2026 - 10:23
Attacker Ryan Duncan confirms Aberdeen exit
Aberdeen' Ryan Duncan delivers a cross against Celtic in August 2023. Image: Shutterstock

Ryan Duncan has confirmed his Aberdeen departure.

Youth academy graduate Duncan, 22, is out of contract with his boyhood club – having spent the final season of his Dons deal on loan with Ross County as they were relegated from the Championship.

Keig-raised Duncan made 53 appearances for Aberdeen following his debut for the first-team in 2020, including four outings in the 2023 Uefa Conference League group stage campaign, scoring twice and making three assists for the Reds across all competitions.

At Ross County this term, he played 30 times across the Championship and Scottish Cup, and scored twice in the second-tier – in back-to-back matches last month – recording four league assists.

Duncan had spent the previous season on loan at Queen’s Park, also in the Championship.

Ross County's Ryan Duncan celebrates after scoring to make it 4-0 during an SPFL Championship match between Ross County and Greenock Morton at The Global Energy Stadium, Dingwall, on April 25, 2026.
Ryan Duncan celebrates after scoring Ross County’s final goal in a 4-0 win against Morton. Image: SNS.

His Dons departure could now pave the way for a quickfire return to now-League One Ross County.

Writing on Instagram, Duncan – who is an Aberdeen fan – said: “After 13 years at Aberdeen, my time has come to an end.

“I would like to thank everyone involved from my team mates past and present, staff and, of course, the fans.

“Growing up, it was always my dream to play for Aberdeen and I am so proud to have achieved this.

“I have made memories that will live with me forever, but it is now time for a new and exciting chapter.

“Once a Don, always a Don.”

Recently-appointed Aberdeen manager Stephen Robinson had recently suggested the door may not be closed on Duncan extending his Reds stay. 

Duncan is the first confirmed non-loan departure at Aberdeen during what is set to a busy summer of transfer activity, in the wake of a dreadful season – Sunday’s campaign-closing defeat at Dundee condemning the Dons to a ninth-placed Premiership finish.

[Source: Press and Journal]