Aberdeen have secured the services of experienced midfielder Sivert Heltne Nilsen.
The 32-year-old, who previously captained Eliteserien side SK Brann, has joined the Scottish Premiership club on a three-year contract, subject to international clearance.
Heltne Nilsen's signing marks the fourth addition to Aberdeen's squad this summer - following the arrivals of Peter Ambrose, Gavin Molloy, and Dimitar Mitov, as manager Jimmy Thelin continues to put his own stamp on the Dons team.
The seasoned-campaigner is no stranger to Thelin, having previously played under the Dons boss during their time together at Elfsborg in Sweden.
Heltne Nilsen's career has been marked by many successes. The Norwegian began his professional journey with OBOS-ligaen team IL Hødd, where he quickly established himself as a regular in the side. His crowning moment came in 2012, when he was part of the IL Hødd team that defied the odds to win the Norwegian Cup, becoming the first second-tier side to achieve the feat in 15 years.
Read more:
- Dundee sign prolific striker Simon Murray from Ross County
- Kilmarnock sign Rangers backup goalkeeper Robby McCrorie
His impressive performances soon caught the eye of Vålerenga, and he made the move to the Eliteserien club in 2014. After a year in the capital, Heltne Nilsen returned to his hometown club, SK Brann, where he spent three successful seasons, helping the team secure promotion and maintain their top-flight status.
The midfielder's journey then took him to Denmark, where he spent a year with AC Horsens, before reuniting with Thelin at Elfsborg in Sweden. Under Thelin's guidance, Heltne Nilsen excelled, leading the team to a runners-up finish in the 2020 Allsvenskan, the club's highest league placement in eight years.
Commenting on his move to the north-east, Heltne Nilsen said: “It is a really good feeling to be an Aberdeen player. It happened really quick. My head is a little bit all over the place right now, but I'm really happy and I feel like the club is amazing. There is a lot of good people and I have met many already, so I feel very warm welcomed.
“There are many reasons for coming here. 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.”
Read more:
-
Europa League winners submit first bid for Celtic star Matt O'Riley
-
Stuart Kettlewell shares why Rangers’ stadium issues don’t bother Motherwell
Thelin hailed the acquisition and detailed how the veteran can help his youthful squad.
“Sivert is a leader who brings with him a real will to win”, said the Pittodrie boss.
“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.”
