Aberdeen FC has entered into a new strategic Co-operation Agreement with city neighbours Cove Rangers, which will see three of the Club’s promising young talents join the League One side on loan until the end of the 2025/26 season.

The Club announced during the summer a shift in its player development strategy, moving away from exclusive participation in senior youth development leagues towards providing managed, competitive exposure to senior football at the earliest appropriate stage via both standard and co-operation loans.

As part of this approach, Joseph Teasdale, Cooper Masson and Lewis Carrol, who spent the first half of the season on loan at Kelty Hearts, will now link up with Paul Hartley’s squad at Balmoral Stadium.

Aberdeen FC remains fully committed to delivering a clear and robust development pathway for its emerging talent. This new agreement has been designed to maximise opportunities for consistent game-time and meaningful first-team experience at a critical point in the players’ progression.

Dons Youth Academy Director Stuart Glennie said: “We would like to thank everyone at Kelty Hearts for the opportunity they have provided Joseph, Cooper and Lewis in a supportive and well-structured environment during the first half of the season. It was a great introduction to senior football for the players.

“Our new Co-operation Agreement with Cove will allow our coaching staff to more closely monitor the players’ ongoing development, while further strengthening our relationship with a local club that shares our commitment to nurturing young talent.

“Several of our academy players have enjoyed positive loan experiences at Cove in recent years, and we believe this continued exposure to senior football, learning alongside good professionals, is the right step to help accelerate their transition from youth football into the professional game.”

Cove Rangers manager, Paul Hartley said: “We’re delighted to welcome the three players to Cove Rangers. We aim give them a positive environment to continue their development, with the opportunity to get further exposure to competitive football alongside experienced senior professionals.

“This agreement also enables us to strengthen our squad, with these talented young players adding an exciting new dynamic

“We’ve had success in recent seasons with youngsters from Aberdeen coming to the Club and having a real impact and we’d like to thank everyone at Aberdeen for their support in making this happen.”