There's a lot of hot takes flying about, but the simple view is this: Devlin looks like a sensible, low-risk addition who can tidy up some defensive issues we showed last season. He won't be flashy, but you can see why he'd be useful.

Defensively tidy and dependable

To be fair, a lot of the chatter ignores the basics. We were caught out at the back more often than we should have been last season and that inconsistency cost us. Devlin has built a reputation for being solid in defensive midfield roles in the league. That kind of player won't grab headlines, but they stop things before they reach our back four. A bit more steel and discipline in the middle can change games in quiet but meaningful ways.

Familiarity with McInnes helps

He knows McInnes from his previous spells, which matters. Players who understand the manager's demands settle quicker. You don't need six weeks of bedding in when the shape and instructions are already familiar. It means he can slot in and do a job straight away, whether that's protecting the centre-backs, recycling possession or helping control tempo in tight games.

Low-cost squad solution — and don’t overplay the Australia line

Listen, judging a player solely because of where he came from or whether he warmed an international bench is daft. Plenty of great signings were overlooked initially. Neil being on a bench or Australia beating Scotland in a tournament doesn't prove anything about individual quality. The noises that a few midfielders could be moving on mean we need depth more than glamour. Devlin looks like an affordable option who fills a clear squad need: experienced, defensively aware and no great risk if things don't pan out.

Truth is, we shouldn't let nationality or appearances on international teams be the yardstick. Look at the role he offers, the balance he brings and how he fits the manager's system. If he does what people expect, he'll be appreciated before long.

Written by Cloudfire: 24 July 2026

Tags: transfers tactics