Scott Fraser is to leave Dundee United despite the club doing “everything we could” to hold on to his services.
The news of the 23-year-old’s departure will be seen as a major blow to Csaba Laszlo’s plans to build a squad capable of returning to the Premiership next season.
Although his 2017/18 was ravaged by injury, Fraser is one of the few players in the squad who could claim to have earned pass marks for his performances when fit.
Dundonian Fraser joined United as a boy and has been involved with the club for over 12 years, making his decision to move on all the more significant.
Laszlo said: “We did everything we could to keep Scott at the club. He is a gifted player and we made him a very good offer to stay with us.
“He is a great example to young players of the pathway that is open to them in professional football and I have no doubt he will do very well in the future.
“We know that good players will attract attention and for this reason we are already at an advanced stage in replacing Scott and a number of the other players that left at the end of the season.”
Fraser, who will leave this month, wished United well.
He said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the club for everything they have done for me over the past 12 years.
“When I joined the academy back in 2006 I could only dream of making over 100 appearances. Unfortunately, my last season was the most frustrating I have ever had with the injury and I am gutted we couldn’t achieve promotion.
“Thanks to all my team-mates, coaches and managers over the years. I now feel the time is right for me to move on in order to improve as a player by playing at the highest level I possibly can.
“Thanks again and good luck for next season”.
News of Fraser’s departure came shortly after the club announced defender Jamie Robson has signed a new two-year deal.
