Willie Miller discusses Graeme Shinnie’s Aberdeen future amid Sunderland rumour

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Graeme Shinnie is out of contract at Aberdeen this summer.

Aberdeen legend Willie Miller has told the Glasgow Evening Times that he thinks Graeme Shinnie faces a ‘big decision’ about his future.

Shinnie, 27, was born in Aberdeen but actually started his career with Inverness Caledonian Thistle, racking up nearly 200 appearances for the club.

In 2015, Shinnie did join his hometown club on a free transfer, and is now captaining the Dons whilst making more than 150 appearances in Aberdeen red.

A versatile performer who can play at left back or in central midfield, Shinnie has been vital for Aberdeen, but they may be entering the final months with him at Pittodrie.

Shinnie is out of contract at the end of the season, and the fact he has let the situation get to this point makes many believe he won’t be staying.

The Scottish Sun recently reported that Sunderland – managed by fellow Scot Jack Ross – are keen to sign Shinnie, with Brentford, Hull and Wigan Athletic also keen.

Now, Aberdeen legend Miller has praised Shinnie as a player who can play both physically and technically, adding that he leads by example in the Aberdeen side.

Miller hopes to see Shinnie stay, but acknowledged that he faces a big decision because it may be Shinnie’s last chance to make a move to England – and that could well play into Sunderland’s hands.

“I think he is a great example of someone who can play the physical side of the game, close opposition players down and make challenges, but is able to control it as well,” Miller said. “He is the captain, the guy who leads the team by example. His energy is magnificent. He goes and hunts down the ball.”

“He’s obviously got a big decision, and he has got to make the decision that is right for Graeme Shinnie. This will probably be his last chance to make that decision, so if he feels it is right for him to go down south then so be it. I’m sure that the Aberdeen fans will be hoping desperately that he doesn’t make that decision and he decides to stay and sign a new contract,” he added.