 After a month of speculation, MacLean finally signed for Aberdeen on loan until the end of the 2009–10 season on 1 February 2010.He scored his first goal for Aberdeen in a 2–2 draw with Hibernian on 10 February 2010 and scored a brace in his next match, a 4–4 draw with Celtic at Pittodrie on 13 February 2010, bringing his tally to three goals in three league games for the Dons.By the time his loan at Aberdeen had finished, MacLean had made 16 appearances and scored 5 goals.