Celtic have completed the signing of Aberdeen midfielder Jonny Hayes in a part-exchange deal, the club confirmed on their official website.
The Scottish Premiership champions announced on Saturday afternoon that the 29-year-old has completed a move to Parkhead from Pittodrie, while midfielder Ryan Christie has made a loan switch the other way.
Hayes has penned a three-year deal with Celtic, who won the domestic treble during the recently concluded Scottish campaign.
Irish internationalist Jonny Hayes signs for #CelticFC on a three-year deal. Welcome, Jonny!
?? https://t.co/jyWbyidsVY pic.twitter.com/TF1YrjBpmv
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) June 17, 2017
By contrast, midfielder Christie, who was on loan at the Dons from January onwards, has moved back to Derek McIness’ side ahead of the new season.
Brendan Rodgers side, who finished off the 2016/17 campaign unbeaten, finished 30 points ahead of second-placed Aberdeen.
Despite the big gap between the two clubs, McIness overachieved with his team given the fact that he does not have a big transfer budget compared to his rivals.
Republic of Ireland international Hayes played a big part in the club’s success, scoring 11 goals and providing 24 assists from his 44 matches in all competitions.
Added to that, he provided 19 assists from his 32 league games as Aberdeen recorded 76 points throughout the season, nine points more than Glasgow giants Rangers.
Hayes’ final encounter for the Dons ended in disappointing fashion with Celtic beating them 2-1 during the Scottish Cup final in May – he opened the scoring at Hampden.