Gavin Molloy has become Aberdeen’s first signing of the summer.

The 22-year-old centre back joins from League of Ireland Premier Division side Shelbourne FC on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

A key player for the Reds since making his first team breakthrough in 2022, the Dubliner has gone on to make close to 70 appearances for Shelbourne. He has featured 22 times this season and played a key role in last night’s victory over Waterford FC.

“Gavin has developed a growing reputation in Ireland”, said Dons boss Jimmy Thelin.

“He brings great versatility, a positive attitude and both on and off the pitch conducts himself in the correct manner.

“Gavin is also a leader, something which is important for a strong and successful team, and it’s a characteristic, along with a hard-working attitude which is in the DNA of this Club.”

Gavin joined Drogheda United’s U17 side in July 2017 before moving to Bohemians where he played for both their U17s and U19s that year. In 2021 Gavin played with Shelbourne’s U19s before advancing to the first team. He recently signed a new deal with the Tolka Park side.

A highly regarded player, Gavin picked up a Young Player of the Year award in 2023, while also being nominated for the award the season before and has become a highly consistent performer and respected player in the Irish League.

On signing his deal with The Dons, Gavin said: “It feels brilliant to officially be an Aberdeen player. As soon as I heard about the opportunity, I wanted to put the red shirt on.

“After speaking to the Club I felt this was the right step in my career. The history, the size of the Club, it was something I really wanted to be part of.

“I had a good conversation with the manager. He had done a lot of research on me and told me how I would fit in with the Club and he left a really positive impression.

“It’s a massive Club, it seems to have a real family feel to it and I just can’t wait to get started.”