Barnsley: Ryan Hedges believes signing for Aberdeen was the “perfect move”

The 23-year-old turned down a fresh contract offer from the Reds, who will be playing in the Championship next season, to join the Scottish Premiership outfit.

He penned a three-year deal north of the border and will officially join on July 1.

Much of his time at Oakwell was hit by injuries and he only made 59 appearances in two and a half seasons.

He did not feature until October in the most recent campaign, making 25 appearances as Daniel Stendel's side won promotion from League One.

Still, Stendel was keen for the Wales international to remain in South Yorkshire and offered him new terms last month.

The Reds are disappointed that the winger will not be around next season, but he was looking for a fresh challenge.

“I was looking for a new challenge after leaving Barnsley and this is the perfect move for me at this time in my career,” Hedges said.

“Hopefully I can come here and play in a lot of big games, play in cup finals and hopefully have a European run as well.

“I’ve come here to win trophies, to be involved in big games and career defining moments and I can’t wait to get started.

“Playing in big stadiums with big crowds in massive games is only going to benefit me.”

Hedges was also on the radar of South Yorkshire rivals Rotherham, who have tried a number of times to sign him.

But he was tempted to move to Pittodrie by Wales team-mate Danny Ward, who spent time on loan there in 2015/2016.

“I am quite close with Danny Ward who came here and he didn’t have a bad word to say,” Hedges added.

“He said if this move ever came about I should take it with both hands- and I’m here.”

Hedges, who is not involved in Wales' squad for their Euro 2020 qualifiers against Croatia and Hungary this month despite being in Ryan Giggs' training camp, is the second Reds player to head north of the border.