St Johnstone sell Mitov as Aberdeen trigger clause

Dimitar Mitov helped St Johnstone avoid relegation

Aberdeen have signed Dimitar Mitov from St Johnstone for an undisclosed fee after triggering the Bulgaria goalkeeper's automatic release clause.

The 27-year-old leaves midway through a two-year contract with the Perth club saying the Dons' "huge history" meant he was keen to move to Pittodrie.

Mitov, who has three caps for his country, has signed a three-year deal with St Johnstone's Scottish Premiership rivals.

"As soon as heard there was interest from Aberdeen, I called my agent and said get it done," he told the club website.

“The club has a huge history, there are lots of good people here and, when we played against Aberdeen, I loved the atmosphere the fans created."

Mitov played 41 times for the Perth club last season as he helped Craig Levein's side avoid relegation on the final day of the campaign.

His performances led to him earning his international debut in a 1-0 defeat by Iran in September.

"I feel I did well last season," Mitov said. "Being consistent is always difficult as a goalkeeper, but I worked hard and this is another opportunity for me to improve my game and make the step up."

The Bulgarian said he was impressed with new Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin's plans for the club and the Swede described it as "an important signing".

"Dimitar is a talented goalkeeper, coming into the prime of his career, and these types of players are vital to a successful squad," he said. "He had an exceptional season last year."

Disappointed St Johnstone manager Craig Levein acknowledged Mitov's role in retaining top-flight status.

"Dimi was a top performer for us and that was reflected in the number of trophies he received at our end of season awards night," he said.

Having come through the youth ranks with Chavdar Etropole in his homeland then Charlton Athletic, Mitov made his senior debut on loan to Isthmian League side Canvey Island.

However, it was after being released and moving to League Two club Cambridge United in 2017 that he began to become a first-team regular.

Having helped his side win promotion then consolidate their place in England's third tier, Mitov joined St Johnstone at the end of his contract last summer.