Wycombe Wanderers fan favourite Anthony Stewart has left the club to join Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership.

The 29-year-old, who played 292 games for the Adams Park outfit and scored 18 goals across two spells, was out of contract with the Chairboys this summer and decided to turn down a new-and-improved offer to stay with the club.

He has instead signed a pre-contract with the four-time Scottish champions which will begin on July 1.

READ MORE: Rumours are linking fan favourite with a move to a Scottish Premiership side

The centre-back is another notable name to leave Wanderers this summer following the departures of Adebayo Akinfenwa who has retired, and goalkeeper David Stockdale, who has joined Sheffield Wednesday on a free transfer.

Anthony Stewart played a big part in Wycombes promotion season of 2019/20 and was a vital player for the Championship campaign in 2020/21 (PA)

Anthony Stewart played a big part in Wycombe's promotion season of 2019/20 and was a vital player for the Championship campaign in 2020/21 (PA)

The centre back played 42 times for the club last season and scored two goals which were both away at Wigan Athletic and Doncaster Rovers respectively.

Speaking on his exit, the club said: “He leaves the club with the best wishes and gratitude of everyone at Wycombe Wanderers, and we wish him well with the two-time European trophy winners.”

Aberdeen manager Jim Goodwin added: “I’m delighted to get Anthony over the line.

“We’ve been working on this one for quite a period of time now.

“Anthony has played a lot of games in League One and the Championship in England.

"He is a proper, old-fashioned centre back that enjoys the art of defending.

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“We’ve got some exciting young players at the club, and I think it is always important that you have some experienced players throughout the team and at 29, Anthony will be one of the more senior figures within the group.

“We look forward to working with Anthony and I’m sure he’ll have a positive impact in the season ahead.”

It is the second time that the Stewart has left the club with his first exit being in 2014.

The then 22-year-old joined Crewe Alexandra on loan in November 2014, before signing a permanent deal in January 2015, only to be released at the end of that season.

He would then re-join the Adams Park side that summer.

What next for Wycombe?

Stewart’s exit means he is now the ninth player to depart Wycombe Wanderers this summer and the third first-team regular.

This would suggest that the Chairboys are going through a pivotal transitional phase to try and regain Championship football for the second time in their history.

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And it’s without a doubt that Gareth Ainsworth and his staff are looking at the right fit of players to join the group to help them reach success.

Areas that are in need of strengthening are in goal following Stockdale and Adam Przybek’s departures, leaving just development goalkeeper Tyla Dickinson as the club’s only shot-stopper.

At the back, it will be important if the Chairboys were to acquire the services of at least two centre backs, as well as a left-sided defender.

As it stands, Ryan Tafazolli and Chris Forino are the only centre-backs on the club’s books and even though they both performed exceptionally well during the 2021/22 campaign, depth in numbers is vital for a push for promotion.

A left-sided defender should also be on the lookout as Joe Jacobson has yet to agree to a contract extension with the club.

And of course, Wycombe are on the hunt for a new striker to replace the outgoing Akinfenwa.

Adebyao Akinfenwa leaves Wycombe after six years with the club (PA)

Adebyao Akinfenwa leaves Wycombe after six years with the club (PA)

Sam Vokes and Brandon Hanlan, who were both signed last summer, proved that they can score goals as they bagged 25 between them.

READ MORE: Four free goalkeepers Wycombe Wanderers could use to replace David Stockdale

But any injuries or suspensions to them both could jeopardise Wanderers’ Championship challenge, so at least one forward should be signed this summer.

It is also important to remember that Wycombe have got an excellent development system which has produced players such as Anis Mehmeti and Chris Forino, who joined the club as unknowns.

Bucks Free Press: Brandon Hanlan (left) Sam Vokes (centre) and Adebayo Akinfenwa (right)Brandon Hanlan (left) Sam Vokes (centre) and Adebayo Akinfenwa (right)

Currently, Connor Parsons, Ali Al-Hamadi and Dickinson are all members of the squad, and if they were to excel in their youth and development games, a break in the first team could arrive next season.

The first league match of the season will take place on Saturday, July 30.