Official: AC Milan announce Marko Lazetic has joined Aberdeen permanently

AC Milan have confirmed that Marko Lazetic has left the club in a permanent deal, joining Scottish side Aberdeen.

Lazetic had a sharp rise at Red Star Belgrade, making his debut at the age of just 16. Then, having just turned 18, the Serbian forward made a move to Milan for a figure believed to be in the region of €4m, signing a deal until 2026.

In truth he never managed to crack the senior side at Milan, and instead spent time on loan with Rheindorf Altach in the Austrian Bundesliga and in the Eredivisie with Fortuna Sittard. He spent last season back in his home country on loan at FK TSC Bačka Topola.

A statement on the club’s official website reads: “AC Milan can confirm that Marko Lazetić has joined Aberdeen FC on a permanent basis. The Club would like to thank Marko for his professionalism and commitment, and wishes him all the best for his personal and professional future.”

Aberdeen add: “The 21-year-old striker arrives at Pittodrie on a four year long contract for an undisclosed fee, subject to international clearance and being granted a UK VISA.”

Reaction to the move

Lazetic said: “It feels amazing to finally be here after a bit of a wait, but I am ready to get to work. When Aberdeen called, I thought that is a place I want to call home. I saw the desire from the manager and staff here to make this happen, I loved the energy from everyone, so that’s why I wanted to be here as soon as possible.

“I think it’s a place where I can grow as a player and a person. It’s important as a player to be somewhere you feel you can work and excel. I think with Aberdeen they will help me to be a better player, and I hope I can help the club to be successful.

“I’ve seen footage of the fans, and I love their intensity. I look at football that way so I cannot wait to get to Pittodrie and hopefully score and celebrate with the fans.”

Photo by AC Milan

Dons boss Jimmy Thelin said: “We’ve been monitoring Marko for a while and are very pleased to have secured his signature. He has a fantastic pedigree and despite his young age has played at high level in different leagues across Europe.

“We will have to be realistic in our expectations with Marko as it will take him a bit of time to get up to match sharpness and integrate into our way of working. His pre-season has been a little frustrating due to the uncertainty surrounding his future, but he’s shown great patience and now he’s finally arrived we’re delighted to get down to the hard work with him to get him up to speed.

“We believe he will be an excellent addition to our squad. He has an imposing physical presence; good technical ability and he will provide versatility and competition for places ahead of a busy season. We believe we can unlock some of the undoubted raw materials that he has to make him a potent threat for Aberdeen.”