Aberdeen bring in 'leader' Heltne Nilsen from Brann

Sivert Heltne Nilsen arrives from SK Brann, where he was team captain

Aberdeen have signed Sivert Heltne Nilsen from SK Brann on a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee, with the Norwegian midfielder described as a "leader" by manager Jimmy Thelin.

The new Dons boss worked with the 32-year-old at former club Elfsborg in Sweden.

"I know he will set standards, both on and off the pitch, and his experience will help some of our emerging talent," Thelin told his club website.

"Sivert is a leader who brings with him a real will to win."

Heltne Nilsen left Elfsborg in 2021 and arrives at Pittodrie following three seasons as captain with SK Brann in his homeland.

"There are many reasons for coming here," he said. "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."

Heltne Nilsen began his career with Hødd, helping the second-tier club win the Norwegian Cup in 2012.

He moved on to Valerenga and had his first spell at hometown club Brann before moving to Denmark with Horsens.

Then came two years under Thelin at Elfsborg before a return to Brann via a brief switch to Beveren in Belgium.

He has played 16 times, scoring twice, in the 2024 season for the side sitting second in the Eliteserien, five points behind reigning champions Bodø/Glimt.

Heltne Nilsen is Aberdeen’s fourth signing of the summer, following goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov, striker Peter Ambrose and defender Gavin Molloy.