Aberdeen FC can announce it has secured the future of Ryan Duncan, with the AFC Youth Academy graduate signing a new three-year contract.

The 19-year-old winger, who is from Keig near Alford, will now remain at Pittodrie until the summer of 2026.

A Scottish Youth Internationalist, Ryan signed a contract extension with the Dons in December 2021 having made his first team debut as a substitute at Ibrox in 2020.

Ryan, who has been with the AFC Youth Academy since the age of nine, enjoyed a successful loan spell with Peterhead FC in 2022 but has since worked hard for his opportunities with the first team, making 22 appearances, scoring two goals.

Ryan spoke to afc.co.uk shortly after signing his new contract.

He said: “I am very happy to get my future sorted. It is a three-year contract which gives me a bit of security and allows me to concentrate on my football.

“Aberdeen is known for taking young players through to the first team. It is a club built on youth players coming through. In recent years I have seen Scott McKenna, Lewis Ferguson and Calvin Ramsay all having their chance to shine at Aberdeen. This is the right place for me to develop. If I keep working hard and getting opportunities in the first team, I can only develop as a player.

“I know this this group of players will get stronger. It is a young team and I believe there is a bright future if we can keep this squad together.

“The aim for the remainder of this season is to get into those European places. From a personal point of view, I just take it game by game and hopefully I will get some more minutes. Both the goals I have scored happened when I came off the bench, so the next aim is to score after starting.

“I want to be a first team player regular as soon as I can.

“I was nine when I joined the AFC Youth Academy and was 16 when I came in as a full-time professional, so Aberdeen FC has been a big part of my life.

“My family are all Aberdeen supporters. It means a lot to my mum and dad. My dad is a big Aberdeen fan, and it means a lot to my mum because she was the one who used to drive me in to training two or three times a week! I should probably look at repaying her all that petrol money! Both my brothers will be delighted as well.

“Being from the north east I fully understand what is expected of you as a player at this Club and what it takes to play for Aberdeen. I also know where Aberdeen should be. I just want to try and make the fans happy and do it for them.”

Director of Football, Steven Gunn, is pleased to see such a promising young talent commit their future to the Club adding:

“We’re extremely delighted that Ryan has agreed to commit to a new contract with the Club which will see him through to 2026. Ryan’s shown a strong work ethic and earned his recent opportunities in Barry’s first team selections.

“Thanks must go to Barry, Gavin Levey and his team, and Neil Simpson, who have all played a significant part in Ryan’s journey thus far.

“Ryan is a player we know can really impact the first team this season and the seasons to follow, and it is important for the DNA of the Club and our commitment to be the best developer of young talent, that we continue to provide a visible pathway and opportunities for homegrown players at Aberdeen.”