Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin has indicated that Hibernian-bound midfielder Jamie McGrath would’ve been happy to remain at Pittodrie.
The Republic of Ireland international is currently sidelined with a shoulder injury and may have already played his final game for the Dons.
McGrath signed a pre-contract with Hibs this week and will join David Gray’s side upon the expiry of his current deal in the summer.
The Easter Road club offered the 28-year-old a four-year-deal, whereas Aberdeen later made it clear in a statement that they weren’t going to match the length of the offer from their Scottish Premiership rivals.
McGrath has previously represented St Mirren and Dundee United in the top-flight. He has featured 76 times for Aberdeen, scoring 16 goals and providing eight assists.
Read more:
- Ferguson hails Tavernier's 'unbelievable' 500-game Rangers milestone
- Thelin explains Mitov call: Why Celtic faced Aberdeen’s backup keeper
“We have a good dialogue and there was a discussion about the contract and he was happy to stay, but we didn’t find a solution,” Thelin said as he addressed the media on Friday.
“He chose another thing for his future and we focus on our future.
“He has behaved really well and is a good player. Sometimes in this sport the contracts go out and people go in other directions. So, that is it.”
(Image: Red TV)