Aberdeen make it a hat-trick as Austrian midfielder arrives on two-year deal

Aberdeen head coach Stephen Robinson has made his first signings of the summer after adding three players to his squad.

Austrian midfielder Alexander Briedl and Kilmarnock duo, defender Lewis Mayo and midfielder Brad Lyons, have agreed pre-contract moves to Pittodrie.

Mayo, 26, has put pen to paper on a three-year deal to move to the Dons from Kilmarnock while Lyons, 29, has penned a two-year contract.

The two Killie players have been joined by midfielder Briedl, who has put pen to paper on a two-year deal to move to the Premiership club from FC Blau Weiss Linz.

The former Austria under-21 international, 24, said: “It feels amazing to be signing for Aberdeen.

“Everything happened very fast after I heard about the interest about two or three weeks ago.

“Of course, I knew about Aberdeen because they are one of the biggest clubs in Scotland.

“I’ve watched some games; I know it’s physical here in Scotland and I am looking forward to challenging myself in a new league.

“I would say that I am good with the ball, a technical player who can also press and win the ball.

“The manager directly welcomed me, and he told me about his vision for the club. I want to help the team reach our goals.

“I know the fans are very passionate here and I am looking forward to meeting them soon at Pittodrie.”

Mayo eager to get going

Mayo was the first new arrival announced in what was a busy day for the Dons.

He said: “I’m very happy to be here and can’t wait to get started.

“I know the manager is ambitious, as is everyone at the club. When I spoke to the manager, I got a real good feel of what his plans are.

“There are clear plans in place here for how we can progress and I want to be a part of that.

“I am a versatile defender, these last few years I have played right across a back four and a back three, so I have experience of playing different positions which is something the manager recognises.

“There is always a great crowd and atmosphere at Pittodrie, and I’m looking forward to experiencing that as a home player.

“I am excited to get to work, and I am hopeful it is going to be a good season for us. Alongside the fans I’m sure we can have a really good time together.”

Lyons ready for new challenge

Northern Ireland international Lyons is looking forward to a new challenge at Pittodrie after opting to leave Rugby Park and is excited to work with Dons boss Robinson.

He said: “It feels amazing to be here. As soon as you see the set up at the training ground you realise it is a massive club. I just can’t wait to get started and get in amongst the boys.

“The manager is someone I know well. I know his passion for football, and I saw first-hand how good he was at getting results.

“When I spoke to him on the phone about the move it was the best call I have ever had in football.

“Individually, my first task is to secure a starting spot in the team. Then I want to help the team as much as I can. Longer term I want to win trophies.

“I know the club is capable of it, I know the facilities they have and I know the fan base they have – those fans deserve it.

“I can promise the fans that I will go out and give everything I have in every game”

Dons boss thrilled to land first summer signings

Aberdeen head coach Robinson was delighted to add to his squad following a busy day of transfer activity.

He said: “We’re really pleased to bring Alex to the club.

“He’s a player we’ve been tracking closely, and he brings many of the qualities we’re looking for in midfield.

“We believe his experience in the Austrian league will be a good fit for not only our league but also how we want to play here at Aberdeen.”

Robinson believes former Killie defender Mayo will slot in quickly at Pittodrie and fits the mould of the type of player the Dons are looking to recruit in the close seaosn.

The Dons boss said: “Lewis is a player we’ve admired for some time.

“He has shown real consistency and leadership qualities in this league, and he fits the profile of player we are looking to bring to the club as we continue to build a competitive squad.

“We’re sure his experience and professionalism with be a great asset to the club both on and off the pitch.”

Meanwhile, Robinson believes Mayo’s team-mate Lyons will bring a competitive and tenacious edge to the Aberdeen midfield.

He said: “We’re really pleased to secure Brad.

“He’s a player who brings a real competitive edge, with strong leadership qualities, and he is exactly the type of player we’re looking to bring into the group.

“He’s got valuable experience both domestically and at international level and we believe he will be an excellent addition to the squad.”

[Source: Press and Journal]