Aberdeen sign midfielder Sivert Heltne Nilsen on three-year deal as Jimmy Thelin recruits former captain

Aberdeen have announced the signing of Norwegian midfielder Sivert Heltne Nilsen on a three-year deal subject to international clearance.

The 32-year-old, who joins from Eliteserien side SK Brann, becomes the club's fourth summer signing after Gavin Molloy, Peter Ambrose and Dimitar Mitov.

And for new Dons boss Jimmy Thelin, there's a happy reunion after he previously made Nilsen captain at Elsfborg for two years between 2019 and 2021.

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Thelin, speaking to the club website, expressed his delight at getting the deal over the line, saying: "Sivert is a leader who brings with him a real will to win.

"Having worked with him previously I know he will set standards, both on and off the pitch, and his experience will help some of our emerging talent in the squad.

"There was a strong desire from Sivert to come to Aberdeen and experience Scottish football."

Nilsen began his career as a teenager at IL Hødd, becoming a regular in the side which won the Norwegian Cup by beating Tromso in the 2012 final.

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He then joined Vålerenga in 204 before moving on to SK Brann. He then signed a five-year deal at Danish outfit AC Horsens before being recruited by Thelin at Elfsborg.

After captaining Elfsborg, a move to Belgium came next to join S.K. Beveren before returning to Brann where he has been captain since 2021.

He now joins the likes of Graeme Shinnie, Leighton Clarkson and Jamie McGrath as Thelin bolsters his midfield options ahead of the new campaign.

On joining the Reds, Nilsen said: "It is a really good feeling to be an Aberdeen player. There are many reasons for coming here.

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"It is an opportunity to play football at a very high level for a number of years and be part of a project with Jimmy, someone I know well.

"I believe he got the best out of me and I want to learn more from him and I want to be part of this project.

"I know the supporters in Aberdeen are amazing and the city is a football city. I have been following the club on social media and learning about the history.

"This is something I want to fight for and I will give everything to make Aberdeen a winning team."