Aberdeen complete signing of Brann captain Sivert Heltne Nilsen

Aberdeen have completed the signing of midfielder Sivert Heltne Nilsen from Norwegian side Brann.

Heltne Nilsen has signed a three-year contract at Pittodrie and becomes the latest player to join new manager Jimmy Thelin’s squad.

The pair worked together when Thelin was Elfsborg boss, with the midfielder leading the team to finish runners-up in the 2020 Allsvenskan, their highest league placing in eight years.

Heltne Nilsen has a wealth of experience, having played in his native Norway with Hødd, Valerenga and Brann, as well as stints with Danish side Horsens, Elfsborg in Sweden and Belgian side Waasland-Beveren. Thelin believes the 32-year-old’s know-how will be a huge benefit as he works to lift Aberdeen.

“Sivert is a leader who brings with him a real will to win”, the Dons manager said.

“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.”

“Heltne Nilsen was delighted to be reunited with his former boss and says he will “fight” to bring success to his new club.

“It is a really good feeling to be an Aberdeen player,” he said.

“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.”