NafisaAberdeen goalkeeper Ross Doohan will depart the Pittodrie outfit this summer after securing an agreement to rejoin his boyhood club, Celtic, in a move that has sparked excitement among the Hoops faithful.
The 27-year-old remained on the sidelines as a substitute as the Dons clinched a dramatic victory over the Bhoys via a penalty shootout to claim the Scottish Cup on Saturday, marking his final appearance for the Aberdeen side.
The thrilling encounter at Hampden Park showcased the competitive spirit of Scottish football, but for Doohan, it was a bittersweet farewell as he prepares to return to his roots at Celtic Park.
Earlier this month, speculation swirled around Doohan’s potential reunion with his former club, and the *Press and Journal* understands he has now finalized a pre-contract to return to the Glasgow giants.
This homecoming is a significant moment for the goalkeeper, who began his career in Celtic’s renowned youth academy and is poised to contribute to the club’s ambitions on both domestic and European stages.
Doohan, who featured in 18 matches for Aberdeen this season during Dimitar Mitov’s injury absence, is slated to replace Celtic’s third-choice goalkeeper, Scott Bain, who is entering the final year of his contract with the Parkhead side.
Doohan’s reliability and familiarity with the club make him a natural fit to bolster Celtic’s goalkeeping ranks as they prepare for a demanding campaign.
Under UEFA regulations, Celtic are required to include eight homegrown players in their squad for the Champions League, with four of those players needing to have emerged from the club’s own youth system.
Doohan, a proud graduate of Celtic’s academy, fulfills this criterion perfectly. Having spent seven years with the Hoops from 2015 to 2022, he developed his craft alongside some of the club’s brightest talents, honing the skills that have made him a dependable presence between the posts.
Celtic fans will be thrilled at the prospect of welcoming back one of their own. Doohan’s journey through the ranks at Lennoxtown, Celtic’s state-of-the-art training facility, is a testament to the club’s commitment to nurturing homegrown talent.
During his initial stint with the Bhoys, he gained valuable experience through loan spells at clubs like Ayr United and Tranmere Rovers, which helped him mature into the composed and capable goalkeeper he is today. His performances for Aberdeen this season, stepping up admirably in Mitov’s absence, have only added to his reputation as a reliable shot-stopper.
The return of Doohan also underscores Celtic’s strategy of blending seasoned professionals with academy products to maintain their dominance in Scottish football.
With the club aiming to defend their Scottish Premiership title and make an impact in the revamped Champions League format, Doohan’s familiarity with the Celtic ethos and his proven ability in high-pressure situations will be invaluable.
Supporters will recall his dedication during his earlier years at the club, where he was a regular for the youth and reserve sides, earning praise for his reflexes and command of the penalty area.
For Celtic, this move is not just about squad depth but also about reinforcing the club’s identity. The Hoops have a storied history of producing and re-signing players who embody the spirit of the club, from legends like Billy McNeill to modern heroes like James Forrest. Doohan’s return adds another chapter to this proud tradition, and fans will be eager to see him don the green and white hoops once more.
As Celtic prepare for a pivotal summer transfer window, with manager Brendan Rodgers looking to fine-tune the squad, Doohan’s signing is a statement of intent.
The goalkeeper’s knowledge of the club’s culture, combined with his recent experience in the Scottish Premiership, positions him as a smart addition to a team chasing silverware on multiple fronts. Whether he’s called upon to compete for a starting spot or provide crucial depth, Doohan’s return is a feel-good story that resonates with the Celtic support.
For now, as Doohan bids farewell to Aberdeen, where he earned plaudits for his professionalism and performances, the focus shifts to his next chapter. Celtic fans will be buzzing with anticipation, ready to welcome back a player who knows what it means to represent the club.
As the new season approaches, the prospect of seeing Doohan back at Celtic Park, potentially guarding the goal in European nights under the floodlights, is a tantalizing one for the Parkhead faithful.
Nafisa
