Dante Polvara will leave the Dons to return home after Aberdeen agreed a fee with MLS side St. Louis City SC.

The 25-year-old, who came through the youth ranks at New York City FC, joined Aberdeen in January 2022. After making his debut just two months later, he went on to make 93 appearances for the Reds, scoring six goals.

Dante enjoyed many memorable moments during his four years at Pittodrie, including finding the net against Eintracht Frankfurt and PAOK during our 2023/2024 UEFA Conference League campaign.

However, the standout moment came last May in the Scottish Cup Final, when he emerged from the bench and calmly converted his penalty in the 4–3 shoot-out victory over Celtic.

With his contract due to expire this summer, the player has elected to return to the United States to begin the next chapter of his career in Major League Soccer.

Dante said: “I had a good offer to remain at the club, as well as an offer from another Scottish Premiership side, but if I was ever going to stay in Scotland, it would only ever be at Aberdeen. My connection with the club and the fans is simply too strong for me to break that bond.

“My girlfriend and I were keen to return home and be closer to our families again, and this was a brilliant opportunity for me that I just couldn’t turn down.

“I have really loved my time in Scotland. I’ve made so many friends and have many great memories, not just of the club but also of the people and the area. It really did become a second home to me.

“I’ll miss the place, but it was important to me that Aberdeen were able to get something back for me, given the time and effort they’ve put into my development.

“I want to thank the club and the staff, both past and present, as well as my current and former teammates. I gave everything while I was here, and Aberdeen will always have a special place in my heart.”

As Dante seals his move back to the United Stated and to a club which AFC Sporting Director Lutz Pfannenstiel knows well, he wanted to thank Dante for his contribution during his time with the Dons.

“Dante was one of our longest serving players and it’s clear he became a fans favourite during his time at the club, but we respect his decision to move closer to his partner and family.

“I’m sure he will always be remembered fondly by the Red Army, and of course he played a vital role in delivering that memorable day in May last year.

“Everyone at Aberdeen FC wishes him every success at his new club.”