Merseyside giants Liverpool have loaned the 20-year-old right-back to Aberdeen to build up his first team experience and he could make his debut for his new side when they lock horns with Celtic on Saturday.
McLaughlin links up with a familiar face at Pittodrie in the shape of goalkeeper Danny Ward, also on loan from Liverpool.
Liverpool Under-21 boss Michael Beale told his club's site: "Ryan McLaughlin has joined Danny Ward on loan at Aberdeen and it’s a good move for him. Danny has done really well up there and has got a lot of good media coverage.
"Ryan has had a couple of difficult years with injury, which has been a real shame, but he has been looking sharp in training and he will hit the ground running", the Under-21 coach added.
"Aberdeen play Celtic next, so what a game that is to hopefully make your debut!
"I will be visiting Ryan and Danny in early October, so it will be good to see how things are going for them."
And Beale explained that the current season is a crucial one for McLaughlin to kick on and take his game to the next level, while there may even be the carrot of Euro 2016 in France at the end of it for the defender.
"Towards the back end of last season Ryan got himself fit and was playing really well. He was due to go out on loan then but picked up a knock and that’s how it’s gone for him.
"This is a big year for Ryan. Northern Ireland are hoping to get to the European Championships and I know their manager, Michael O’Neill, thinks really highly of Ryan and supports him every step of the way", he added.