The 21-year-old is heading north for the final months of the 2023/24 campaign as Barry Robson makes his first signing of the January transfer window just days before the deadline.

Killian Phillips, a midfielder for Crystal Palace, has been Aberdeen’s first acquisition of the January transfer window. He will join on loan from the Palace until the end of the current campaign.

The 21-year-old midfielder will now go out on loan from Roy Hodgson’s team once more. He has previously played on loan for teams like Shrewsbury Town and Wycombe Wanderers.

Having made his debut with Drogheda United, Phillips, who has caps for the Republic of Ireland’s Under-21 team, rapidly made a name for himself with the County Louth team.

His signing comes as a boost for the Reds after their 2-0 defeat against Hearts at Tynecastle on Saturday afternoon, with Aberdeen desperately looking to hit a run of form in their bid to return to European football next season.

Only a few days before the deadline, the Dons sent only Vicente Besuijen back out on loan and returned Rhys Williams and Or Dadia to their parent clubs. The versatile midfielder is the first player to arrive in the January window.

“I’m pleased to bring Killian to the club as he’s a player we’ve admired for some time,” Robson said on the signing of Phillips, according to the club website. He is gregarious, diligent, and his technical prowess is equal to his strength of character.

“Considering the amount of games he has played this season, he has already

demonstrated his ability. He’s had some incredible performances, such as his

man-of-the-match effort when Ireland’s U21 team scored against Italy.

He will give our midfield options a great deal more versatility because he is

excellent in both boxes. We are excited to work with him in the second half of the

season since he has the mindset to fit into our group.”

Phillips will be a part of Aberdeen’s team for their postponed Premiership match

against Dundee on Tuesday night at Pittodrie.