Aberdeen FC has confirmed the departure of winger Nicolas Milanovic, who returns to A-League side Western Sydney Wanderers for an undisclosed fee. The 24-year-old Australian international joined the Dons last summer but struggled to secure a regular starting spot, making 23 appearances (10 starts) and contributing one assist in the 2025 Premier Sports Cup victory over Morton. The club finished 8th in the Premiership last season with 33 points (9W-6D-18L), scoring 33 goals and conceding 48 (-15 goal difference).
Why did Milanovic leave Aberdeen FC?
Milanovic's move back to Western Sydney comes after a challenging season at Pittodrie, where he failed to replicate the form that made him a standout player in the A-League. Despite his limited impact on the pitch, manager Stephen Robinson praised the winger's professionalism, stating, "Nicolas had a brilliant couple of seasons with Western Sydney before moving to Scotland, but unfortunately it just didn’t quite happen for him at Aberdeen."
What does this mean for Aberdeen FC?
The departure of Milanovic allows Aberdeen FC to reshuffle their squad ahead of the new season. With the club finishing 37 points behind leaders Heart of Midlothian last term, Robinson will be looking to strengthen his side. The sale also ensures Aberdeen retains future economic rights to the player, providing potential long-term benefits.
What’s next for Milanovic?
Milanovic, who started his career with Western United before joining Western Sydney in 2023, expressed gratitude for his time at Aberdeen. He said, "From the moment I arrived, everyone at Aberdeen made me feel incredibly welcome and I’ll always be grateful for that." The winger now returns to a familiar environment, aiming to revive his career in the A-League.
