Jimmy Thelin welcomes deadline day reunions at Aberdeen

Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin told fans they will see an “extremely talented footballer” after he was reunited with Sweden winger Jesper Karlsson.

Karlsson joined the Dons on loan from Bologna shortly after Kevin Nisbet secured his return to Pittodrie on a three-year deal as Aberdeen finished the transfer window on a high.

The 27-year-old Swede worked under Thelin at Elfsborg before joining AZ Alkmaar for more than £2m five years ago. After hitting 35 goals in 89 Eredivisie appearances, Bologna paid close to £10m for the wide man in 2023.

Karlsson found regular starts harder to come by in Serie A and, after spending the second half of last season on loan at Lecce, he has sought a familiar manager to rejuvenate his career.

Thelin said: “Jesper is a top professional and to have secured his services is great news for everyone associated with Aberdeen FC.

“He is an extremely talented footballer who has real quality, and we believe he will be a brilliant addition the squad.

“It is important for him to play regularly, and we can provide that opportunity for him to go and perform.”

Karlsson, who has scored five goals in 14 internationals, said: “When I spoke with the manager and staff their desire for me to come here was clear, and that was hugely important to me.

“I believe I can come here and get game time, which I hope will help my efforts to get back into the national team.”

Nisbet has rejoined Aberdeen for a reported £300,000 transfer after hitting 14 goals in 38 appearances on loan last season.

“Kevin made a real impact during his time here last season and his arrival provides a long-term solution to our attacking options,” Thelin said.

“He has proven goalscoring ability, and we were really starting to see all that Kevin can offer towards the end of last season. As a Scottish International he helps enhance the identity of our team, which we continue to develop.

“What is most important to us is that Kevin really wanted to be here at Aberdeen. He knows what we are looking to achieve here, and he wants to continue to be a part of that.

“We believe he will be a key figure for us in the years to come and his experience and leadership will be invaluable to the squad.”

Nisbet said: “It’s great to be back. Ever since I left it was always in the back of my mind that I wanted to come back but I am here, so I’m delighted.

“The way last season finished I felt I was really hitting my best form, and I felt at home here.

“It’s good to get my long-term future settled. It’s a great club, there is a good atmosphere around the place, there’s a brilliant dressing room and when I have got all of that, that’s when I play my best football.

“The gaffer really helped me improve my game last season. I want to keep improving and this is the best place for it.”