Young defender Dylan Lobban has signed a new contract, committing his future to the club until at least 2028.

A lifelong Dons supporter, Dylan has been with Aberdeen for over a decade, graduating from the Youth Academy to a full-time contract in 2021.

The 20-year-old began his career as a central midfielder but has demonstrated his all-round ability by moving to right-back in recent seasons. After captaining the Aberdeen U18s, the Westhill youngster has since had loan spells at Formartine United, Forfar Athletic and Cove Rangers and last season was named the AFC Development Player of the Year at the club’s official Player of the Year awards dinner.

This season Dylan is part of the Aberdeen UEFA Conference League squad and has captained the Dons Development side which last week won the Aberdeenshire Cup for the first time since 2003.

“We are very pleased Dylan has committed his long-term future to the club”, said Dons boss Jimmy Thelin.

“As a club we believe in his potential to become a key player for Aberdeen in the years to come. He has benefitted from his recent loan moves and has been an integral player for our development squad this season, showing great leadership skills.

“He continues to impress in training, learning from some of the more experienced players in the first team squad, and we look forward to working with Dylan on his continued development.”

Dylan, who has represented Scotland at various levels, is delighted to have secured his future with his boyhood club.

He said: “As soon as I knew there was an offer from the club to extend my stay it was an easy decision.

“My family are so proud, as am I. I used to have a season ticket and come to games with my dad so it’s great to now be an Aberdeen player.

“I’ve been training with the first team a while now and have really enjoyed it. It’s been great to be involved in European games. As a little boy I wanted to experience those matches. The atmosphere at the Shakhtar game was amazing, the fans got right behind the team.

“It’s good to have some security for the next few years so I can really focus on my football. It would mean everything to me and my family to make my debut for the first team, but I am being patient, and I’ll keep working hard so I am ready for my chance when it comes.”

RedTV subscribers can watch an exclusive interview with Dylan now.