Chris Cadden joins Aberdeen from Hibs on two-year deal
Former Scotland international Chris Cadden has joined Aberdeen from Hibernian on a two-year deal, becoming the Dons' twelfth summer signing. The 29-year-old right-back left Easter Road for an undisclosed fee after seeking more first-team football, reuniting with manager Stephen Robinson ahead of the Scottish Premiership campaign.
Key Takeaways
- Chris Cadden signed a two-year Aberdeen contract after five seasons at Hibernian.
- The move reunites the Scotland-capped right-back with boss Stephen Robinson from their Motherwell days.
- Hibs confirmed an undisclosed fee and praised Cadden as a "brilliant servant" who wanted more game time.
- He is Aberdeen's twelfth summer signing and arrives with over 250 Scottish Premiership appearances.
Why did Chris Cadden leave Hibernian?
Hibs confirmed the departure just as Aberdeen announced the deal. Sporting director Malky Mackay and head coach David Gray both stressed that Cadden remains highly regarded at Easter Road.
Gray said Cadden had been a "brilliant servant," citing his energy, consistency and professionalism. The Hibs boss added the club could not offer as much game time as the wide man wanted at this stage of his career.
According to reporting around the move, Felix Passlack had taken the right-back shirt at Hibs, and Cadden made clear he wanted regular first-team football. He leaves having made 166 appearances for the Hibees since joining from Columbus Crew in 2021.
During that spell he helped Hibs to third-place Premiership finishes in 2020/21 and 2024/25, reached Scottish Cup and League Cup finals, and scored the winning goal against FK Partizan in a memorable European run.
What does Stephen Robinson say about the signing?
Robinson called Cadden a "brilliant addition," praising both his on-pitch threat and dressing-room character. The Dons boss said he knows the player very well and is excited to work with him again.
"He has a great engine, always shows a willingness to get forward and support the attack, but he's also matured into a really dependable full-back defensively," Robinson said in Aberdeen's official announcement.
The manager also highlighted that Cadden was "incredibly keen" to make the move happen. That hunger, Robinson argued, speaks to his desire to join what Aberdeen are building at Pittodrie.
Cadden echoed that tone, saying he is "delighted" to join a huge club with proud supporters and that Robinson's ambition made the switch an easy sell. Full details are on the Aberdeen FC website.
What is Cadden's career path to Pittodrie?
Cadden began at hometown club Motherwell, debuting in a 4-1 win over Hearts in 2014 and going on to make almost 150 appearances. Those displays earned Scotland recognition, including a second cap in a South American double-header against Peru and Mexico.
He then moved to MLS side Columbus Crew, spent six months on loan at Oxford United in League One, and returned to Ohio in time to help lift the 2020 MLS Cup. After Covid-era challenges, he came home to Hibernian for five seasons before this Pittodrie switch.
Aberdeen say he had come close to joining several years ago and now finally pulls on the famous red jersey. For more transfer and sports celebrity coverage, follow Celebrity Breaking News on BlasterPost.
With Premiership action under way, the experienced right-back gives Robinson proven league know-how as the Dons chase a competitive campaign in the North-east.