Aberdeen have completed the signing of Livingston winger Lewis Smith for an undisclosed fee, with Serbian striker Marko Lazetic departing Pittodrie to join Armenian side FC Noah.
Smith arrives on a three-year deal after emerging as a key target for manager Stephen Robinson, who has long tracked the 26-year-old’s progress in the Scottish game.
The Dons moved quickly for the winger following Topi Keskinen’s exit to Odense, fending off interest from elsewhere in the Premiership and the EFL to secure his signature.
Robinson admitted Smith had been on his radar for some time and believes the wide man can make an immediate impact in the north-east. “We’re delighted to bring Lewis to Aberdeen because he was a player we really wanted,” Robinson said.
“As soon as Topi Keskinen’s move was completed, Lewis quickly became our priority, and we’re pleased to have gotten the deal done. I’ve admired Lewis for a long time and tried to sign him at previous clubs, but I wasn’t in a position to afford him.
“He’s consistently impressed us whenever we’ve watched him, but what really stood out was that the numbers backed up exactly what our eyes were telling us.
"Some of the performance data our recruitment department tracks placed him among the best wide players in the Premiership last season.”
Smith, who came through the ranks at Hamilton Academical alongside former Aberdeen midfielder Lewis Ferguson, made his senior debut at Pittodrie in 2018 and went on to make more than 150 appearances for his boyhood club before joining Livingston in 2024.
During his time with the Lions, he featured more than 80 times and played a key role in their promotion back to the Premiership in 2024/25. He also finished as Livingston’s leading league goalscorer last season despite operating primarily from a wide position.
Robinson believes that the track record highlights the attacking threat Smith will add to his squad. “We can all overlook what’s right on the doorstep at times,” he added.
“Lewis has proved over several years that he can perform consistently in this league, and we believe there is still plenty more to come from him.
“Dons fans can expect an energetic, attack-minded winger who is deceptively quick, works tirelessly for the team, is comfortable with either foot, and carries a genuine goal threat.”
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Smith admitted he is relishing the opportunity to make his mark at Pittodrie, having experienced the atmosphere first-hand earlier in his career.
“I’m so excited to finally get it done,” he said. “It’s taken a few weeks to get here, but I’m happy to have finally arrived and buzzing to get going.
“This is a massive club, and the fans are incredible. I actually made my debut at Pittodrie, so I know what the atmosphere is like.
“I’m looking forward to working with the manager. He talked so passionately about what he is looking to achieve here. I think he will know how to get the best out of me.
“I want to bring excitement to the fans. I am direct, I can create chances and score goals. I’ve played a lot of football, and hopefully I can continue my development at Aberdeen. I know I’ve got a lot more to give.”
Meanwhile, Lazetis has moved on after just one season at Pittodrie, joining FC Noah for an undisclosed fee.
The 22-year-old striker arrived from AC Milan last summer but found opportunities limited, making 10 league starts and scoring four goals in 36 appearances in all competitions.
His most memorable contribution came with a Goal of the Season-winning strike against St Mirren in October.
Robinson confirmed the decision for Lazetic to move on was mutual. “I spoke to Marko towards the end of last season, and we both agreed that a move would be the best outcome for everyone,” he said.
“It took a little time to find the right opportunity, but we’ve now reached an agreement with FC Noah that works for all parties.
“We thank Marko for his efforts during his time with the club and wish him every success in the future.”
