ABERDEEN have officially confirmed the signing of central defender Liam Morrison on loan from English Championship side Queens Park Rangers until the end of the season.
The 22-year-old’s arrival at Pittodrie marks a significant strategic move for the Dons, who have been navigating a defensive crisis that left interim manager Peter Leven with severely limited options. Morrison, a former Scotland Under-21 international, is expected to provide immediate stability to a backline that has been stretched thin by injuries and loan recalls.
A Pedigree of Excellence: From Celtic to Bayern Munich
Morrison brings a high-level footballing education to the north-east. A product of the Celtic youth academy, he made headlines as a teenager in 2019 when he secured a high-profile move to German giants Bayern Munich. During his time in Bavaria, he progressed through the academy to become a regular for Bayern Munich II.
To gain first-team experience, Morrison spent the 2023/24 season on loan at Wigan Athletic, making 35 appearances in League One before joining QPR on a permanent deal in the summer of 2024. While he established himself as a starter in London last season, limited minutes in the current campaign—featuring just 12 appearances—prompted the move back to Scotland to secure consistent game time.
The Lutz Pfannenstiel Connection
The deal was spearheaded by Aberdeen’s Sporting Director, Lutz Pfannenstiel, who has been working on the transfer for several weeks. Pfannenstiel’s deep knowledge of the German market proved pivotal, having previously monitored Morrison during his development in Munich.
“I am familiar with Liam from his time playing in the academy in Munich,” said Pfannenstiel. “He is a modern defender who is composed on the ball and strong in the air. His arrival gives us added depth and quality in a key area of the pitch.”
Solving a Defensive Crisis at Pittodrie
The timing of Morrison’s arrival is critical for a club currently sitting 8th in the Premiership. Following the departure of manager Jimmy Thelin earlier this month, the squad has been plagued by defensive disruption:
- Gavin Molloy: Remains sidelined with a long-term injury.
- Alfie Dorrington: Recently recalled from his loan by Tottenham Hotspur.
- Kristers Tobers: Out for the remainder of the season.
The severity of the shortage was evident in the recent Scottish Cup victory over Raith Rovers, where Aberdeen were forced to play with just one recognised senior centre-back, Jack Milne, who was partnered by midfielder Dante Polvara.
Eyes on the 2026 World Cup
For Morrison, the move is a chance to play his way into Steve Clarke’s plans. With the 2026 World Cup in the United States looming this summer, the defender is eager to impress on home soil and stake a claim for a place in the national squad.
“I need to play games and try to impress, and this opportunity gives me the best chance to do that,” Morrison told the club website. “Being from Scotland, I know Aberdeen is a massive club with a great fanbase and high expectations.”
Morrison is expected to be in contention for the squad as Aberdeen prepare to host Livingston at Pittodrie this weekend.
Co-Founder of Fitba Focus and MMA UK. A lifelong Aberdeen fan with years of experience in the sports media industry, Peter provides expert analysis and a dedicated "Dons" perspective on the Scottish game. He is passionate about giving a voice to fans across the entire Scottish football pyramid.
