Slobodan Rubezic leaves Aberdeen to return to Novi Pazar on loan

Defender Slobodan Rubezic has left Aberdeen, returning to his former club Novi Pazar on loan until the end of the season.

The 24-year-old has been allowed to leave in search of regular game time after a difficult season at Pittodrie.

The centre-back has come in for criticism from fans after Aberdeen’s strong start to the season turned into a dismal run that has seen the team go 14 Premiership matches without a win.

Rubezic joined the Dons from Novi Pazar in 2023 and had been a first team regular but manager Jimmy Thelin brought in new defenders in January, with Kristers Tobers and Mats Knoester signing for the club, as well as Alfie Dorrington arriving on loan from Spurs.

“Slobodan’s professionalism and application since our arrival has been exemplary however, he now believes it is the right time for him to return to Serbia in search of regular game time”, Thelin told the club’s official website.

“We would like to wish him well during his time at his former club.”

Rubezic made 57 appearances in his time at Pittodrie, starting 55 games and scoring once. During his time in Scotland he became a Montenegran international and he has since gone on to earn seven caps. scoring once for his country.