A transfer saga has finally been brought to an end. Gary Mackay-Steven will be leaving Aberdeen, with New York City announcing his arrival, subsequently confirming his Pittodrie departure.
He leaves after making 30 appearances during the 2018/19 season, making 72 in total. He’s been inconsistent at times, but ultimately, Mackay-Steven was still a decent player for the Dons.

Mackay-Steven is moving to New York City. (photo by Alan Rennie/Action Plus via Getty Images)
Some Aberdeen fans have reacted to the news.
And that’s the end of that chapter. Good luck GMS if I got offered a job in NYC over Aberdeen I’d be off too pic.twitter.com/EkdV7rBLpT
— Fraser Bateman (@FraserBateman) June 24, 2019
Ach well have fun Gaz
— The Skipper©️ (@aberdeenskipper) June 24, 2019
Enjoy the injury table in America!
Nice city too feign injury— Keith Martin (@KeithMa48309528) June 24, 2019
All the best GMS and thanks for you efforts in the red and white. Really hope everything goes well for you at NYCFC. 👍🏻
— Sat-nav ⭐⭐ (@Redtom1903) June 24, 2019
So long 👋🏻
There’s not a Hibs in the MLS. Who’s he going to score against? https://t.co/2sxRQWIijM
— Red Point of View (@ARedPOV) June 24, 2019
Magic move
— RC_1903 (@cocky_aberdeen) June 24, 2019
Mackay-Steven can’t turn down New York opportunity
For the most part, social media comments seem to indicate fans are happy for Mackay-Steven. Others don’t seem to be that fussed that the winger is departing the Granite City.
Injury definitely hampered his spell in Aberdeen, especially last season. He still made close to 75 appearances in red though, so he must of been doing something right.

A decent player overall in red. (photo by Alan Rennie/Action Plus via Getty Images)
Perhaps he shouldn’t have waited so long to make a decision on his future. That might have been a wise decision though as this is a cracking move for him.
It gives him the chance to enjoy a new life in one of the world’s most well know places. The wages presumably will be decent and it’ll be a challenging level of football. Mackay-Steven really can’t turn down this American opportunity.
He’s inconsistent, but on his day, the 28-year-old is top class. Mackay-Steven has excellent ability that is hard to match when he’s up to it. Opportunities like this might not have appeared again had he stayed at Aberdeen, so he has to make the jump across the pond.

An offer he can’t refuse. (Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images)
After spells at Airdrieonians, Dundee United, Celtic and Aberdeen, Mackay-Steven is bowing out of the Scottish game. Who knows, maybe one day he’ll return to these shores to play his football.