ABERDEEN have confirmed the departure of David Bates.
The former Rangers defender has joined K.V. Mechelen on a permanent deal.
The 25-year-old signed for the Dons just last year.
But with Jim Goodwin strengthening his squad considerably this summer, Bates has been allowed to leave for pastures new.
He will now ply his trade in the Beligan top tier.
A Dons spokesperson said: "Aberdeen Football Club can this evening confirm defender David Bates has left the Club on a permanent transfer.
We can confirm David Bates has left the Club to join Belgian First Division side @kvmechelen on a permanent transfer. Everyone at AFC wishes David the very best in his future career.
— Aberdeen FC (@AberdeenFC) September 1, 2022
"The 25-year-old defender, who signed for the Dons in 2021, has joined Belgian First Division side K.V. Mechelen.
"Signed from Hamburg SV on a three-year contract, David made 35 appearances and scored two goals during his time at Pittodrie.
"Everyone at AFC wishes David the very best in his future career."
