Aberdeen have lost Ryan Jack and Jonny Hayes to Rangers and Celtic respectively.
Celtic winger Jonny Hayes has told The Sunday Post that he thinks new Rangers signing Ryan Jack is a ‘fantastic player’.
Aberdeen may have received a boost this summer as manager Derek McInnes chose to reject an offer from Sunderland in order to stay at Pittodrie, but they have also seen two key players move on.
Midfielder Ryan Jack first turned down a new contract in order to join rivals Rangers on a free transfer, before winger Jonny Hayes was sold to Celtic.
Celtic’s Scott Brown (L) in action withRyan Jack
The departure of Jack is certainly galling for the Dons, given that he was born in Aberdeen and came up through the ranks at Pittodrie, even captaining the side since 2015.
Aberdeen didn’t even receive any money for Jack as the 25-year-old let his contract run out before moving on, and he may well receive a hostile reaction when he returns to Pittodrie next season.
Now, winger Hayes – who should be well-received after sending a heartfelt thank you message to Aberdeen fans following his move to Celtic last month – has discussed Jack’s exit ahead of becoming Old Firm rivals after five years as team-mates.
Hayes has told The Sunday Post that he doesn’t want to comment on the contrast in the reaction to their moves, but feels that Jack may simply have wanted a new challenge, and Rangers offered him that.
Jonny Hayes
The Irishman added that he thinks Jack is ‘a fantastic player’, offering a good luck message to the midfielder whilst predicting that he will settle in well at Ibrox.
“Is there a contrast between the moves? It is hard to say. I can only really worry about myself on that score,” said Hayes. “Ryan could have been comfortable in Aberdeen, but he fancied a new challenge so he has moved himself and his family down to Glasgow and good luck to him. You have got to challenge yourself in football.”
“I do think he will settle in well at Rangers, because he is a fantastic player who could settle in anywhere,” he added.
Who do you think is the better signing – Hayes or Jack?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
