Aberdeen’s summer rebuild: how Stephen Robinson could line up his new-look Dons

Aberdeen have moved quickly to reshape their squad following a miserable 2025/26 campaign, with Stephen Robinson bringing in eight new signings ahead of the new season. According to the Daily Record, the Dons boss could deploy his revamped squad in several different formations depending on the opposition they face.

Robinson’s side begin their campaign in the Premier Sports Cup in nine days’ time, travelling to face Highland League champions Brora Rangers before further group games against Queen’s Park, Queen of the South and Kelty Hearts. As many as eight new arrivals could be handed their Aberdeen debuts during that run, with director of football Lutz Pfannenstiel working alongside Robinson to reshape the squad at Pittodrie.

Physical additions to address a familiar weakness

The signings of Blair Lyons, Lewis Mayo and Dan Happe, along with the permanent return of striker Toyosi Olusanya, fit the profile Robinson typically favours: physically imposing players capable of covering ground and posing a threat at set pieces. The Daily Record notes this has been a notable shortcoming for Aberdeen in recent seasons, with full-back Nicky Devlin reportedly observing that this pre-season has demanded more running from the squad than in any of his previous three full campaigns at the club.

Conor Ronan has also arrived from Colorado Rapids, having previously worked briefly under Robinson at St Mirren, and is expected to add creativity in midfield that supporters have long been calling for. Austrian recruit Alexander Breidl, a signing very much in keeping with Pfannenstiel’s background at Hoffenheim, should offer Aberdeen greater composure in possession.

Brentford winger Tony Yogane, who impressed on loan at Dundee last season, brings extra pace to the final third and could earn a regular starting berth if Topi Keskinen departs. Record Sport has reported that Aberdeen have already rejected multiple bids from Hungarian club Debrecen for the Finland international. The attack has been further strengthened by the signing of Morocco international Ayoub Mouloua from FUS Rabat, with Aberdeen chairman Dave Cormack and the club’s hierarchy hopeful he can make an impact similar to that of Hamza Igamane, who moved to Ligue 1 side Lyon for £10 million after just one season with Rangers.

A flexible system built around the fixture

Robinson switched between a 4-3-1-2 and a 5-3-2 formation during his final three months in charge last season after replacing Jimmy Thelin permanently in March. However, he appears set to favour a back four this season, having lined up that way in Saturday’s friendly defeat to FC Twente.

The capacity to switch systems depending on the opponent could prove valuable for Aberdeen this term. In their cup fixtures this month, the Dons are expected to dominate possession, and an extra midfielder should help them build from the back and operate between the lines in the final third.

Robinson’s teams are also known for their directness when the occasion demands it, so a switch to a five-man defence would not be a surprise when Aberdeen host last season’s Premiership runners-up Hearts on the opening weekend of the new campaign. In that scenario, Robinson could look to exploit the pace of Olusanya or Yogane with balls played in behind the Hearts defence.

Full-back concerns remain

Reinforcements may still be required at full-back and wing-back to make such flexibility work. Record Sport has reported that Danish defender Alexander Jensen is closing in on a return to Sweden with Elfsborg, which would leave young Dylan Lobban as the only recognised cover for Devlin at right-back.

On the left, the starting berth remains open, with Gavin Molloy and Mitchell Frame competing for the role while Emmanuel Gyamfi continues his recovery from injury. With Aberdeen’s return to Premiership action now less than a month away, Robinson faces some important decisions before the visit of Hearts on the opening weekend.