Aberdeen

George O'Neill
BBC Sport Scotland

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Aberdeen's dismal start to the league season - three straight defeats without scoring a goal - had understandably caused consternation among the support.

However, a glittering end to the transfer window changed all that - the mood around Pittodrie was far rosier after Kevin Nisbet signed permanently from Millwall and Sweden winger Jesper Karlsson joined on loan from Bologna.

Stuart Armstrong was the cherry on top of the icing on the cake, returning to the Scottish Premiership after more than seven years away.

The 53-cap Scotland international brings undoubted quality to the Dons midfield, but there are question marks over whether he is ready to start just yet for Jimmy Thelin's side.

The 33-year-old started just six times for Sheffield Wednesday during an injury-disrupted spell in the second half of last season, with five further appearances off the bench, as they finished 12th in the Championship.

That followed a four-month stay with Vancouver Whitecaps in MLS where he scored twice in 11 appearances.

However, if Thelin can get Armstrong up to full fitness and top speed, he has a serious player on his hands.

Between 2010 and 2015, Armstrong scored 21 goals and chipped in with a further 31 assists for Dundee United.

With Celtic, another 53 goal contributions followed between 2015 and 2018, when he moved to Premier League Southampton.

If Thelin can get anything close to that return, combined with the ability of Nisbet and Karlsson, then Aberdeen's season could turn around very quickly.

We asked for your views on Aberdeen's transfer window - before the club signed Scotland midfielder Stuart Armstrong on a free transfer.

Here's what some of you said:

Paul: Bringing back Kevin Nisbet is a coup, especially given the horror start from Kusini Yengi and with the young Marko Lazetic yet to prove his goalscoring potential, but if we've had a successful window is hard to say when we still have to see half of them on the park.

Malky: As critical as I have been of the manager, these seem like two big additions. He needs to find what the best XI is and he needs to find it soon. I maintain that if the form doesn't improve after the return from international games, then he simply has to be replaced, but we still have Emmanuel Gyamfi to come back, Nisbet to lead the line now and Jesper Karlsson to hopefully replace the consistently poor Topi Keskinen, it can only improve us.

Angus: Deadline day absolutely saved the window. We've now brought in a huge amount of quality and experience up front. Hopefully we can use the funds gained from sales and the Conference League to sign a couple of midfielders and defenders in January.

Liam: The Nisbet and Karlsson arrivals have certainly helped start shift the mood within Dons fans. There is still a fear that the defence could have done with some work, but with zero goals across three games this season so far it was priority number one to get an accomplished goalscorer in, which was achieved. The addition of Karlsson was a very welcome surprise, and given his pedigree it should offer Nisbet with plenty of chances to add to his 14 goals last season.

John: Much better deadline day than I thought it would be. To bring a player with the quality of Karlsson in the final hours was a masterstroke. Also, Nisbet has been a major missing piece to the squad and I feel far more hopeful now.

Michael: I can't understand the constant negativity from our fans. Even when a good piece of business like Nisbet and Karlsson is concluded, they still find the time to complain rather than praise the efforts of the club. I think this match up could seriously turn a corner for Aberdeen, and with confidence in midfield and up front I think the current defence will settle in and Thelin's style will finally click and produce results, hopefully.

Ester Sokler could still leave Aberdeen in the coming days and the striker has interest from a number of countries where their windows are still open. (Scott Burns on X), external

Aston Villa have completed the £1m purchase of 17-year-old midfielder Fletcher Boyd from Aberdeen. (Daily Record), external

Elfsborg captain and former Sweden midfielder Johan Larsson says he would rather have Aberdeen loanee Jesper Karlsson over Celtic winger Benjamin Nygren. (Scottish Sun), external

Read the rest of Wednesday's Scottish gossip.

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The signing of Jesper Karlsson is a massive coup for Aberdeen, according to Swedish football journalist Joel Besseling.

Winger Karlsson joined Jimmy Thelin's side on a season-long loan from Bologna on deadline day.

The Sweden international earned his move to Serie A in 2023 off the back of a blistering spell in the Netherlands with AZ Alkmaar, where he scored 46 goals and contributed 33 assists in 124 appearances.

However, he has struggled to establish himself in Italy and now heads to the Scottish Premiership.

"When I saw Aberdeen have signed him I thought it was a huge bargain," Besseling told BBC Scotland. "He was a great player until about two years ago - this versatile, fast winger, a great finisher.

"To be honest, he's too good for the Scottish league if he comes back to the level he was at two years ago. But on the other hand, he hasn't really played in two years and needs to prove himself.

"He went to Bologna and it was quite obvious that Thiago Motta didn't believe in him. He needs the coach's confidence and trust. That's the main reason for him not being the player we thought he would have been."

Before his stint with AZ, Karlsson was one of the shining lights in Thelin's Elfsborg side, during which time he made his international debut.

"He's going to be teaming up with one of the coaches who believed in him most in Jimmy Thelin," Besseling said. "This is just what he needs to get his career back on track.

"There was a surprised reaction in Sweden when the news broke. We have been following the news this summer and bigger clubs reportedly wanted him."

The most recent of Karlsson's 14 Sweden caps came in October 2023 and he has made it clear he wants to rekindle his international career before next year's World Cup.

"In his first interview with Aberdeen, he spoke about getting back to the national team," Besseling added. "He has the 2026 World Cup in mind with this move - he wants to play and come back for the big tournament."

Glen Schreuder
Fan writer

Kevin Nisbet is back and it's better late than never after the Dons again failed to score against Falkirk on Sunday.

We badly need a threat at the top end of the pitch as our powder-puff strike options were brutally exposed in defeat by the Bairns.

Jesper Karlsson looks a real coup too. He will add goals and assists, and no shortage of flair! Again, Sunday's defeat highlighted the need for a player of his quality.

Take nothing away from Falkirk, but Aberdeen are providing more questions than answers currently. I am sure Jimmy Thelin will be doing his best to answer those over the international break.

Failing to beat a newly-promoted side at Pittodrie is not good enough, and we face another in Livingston next time out.

That too has a must-win feel to it. Jimmy still has credit in the bank with the board and fans, but judging by the mass exodus and reaction at full-time, patience is wearing thin amid a dire run of form.

Glen can be found at Red Tinted Glasses., external

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Sweden winger Jesper Karlsson hopes joining Aberdeen can reignite his international career.

The 27-year-old moved to the Dons on loan from Bologna on deadline day to reunite with his former Elfsborg boss Jimmy Thelin.

Karlsson joined Bologna for £9.5m two years ago, but has struggled to make an impact and spent the second half of last season on loan at fellow Serie A side Lecce.

Karlsson, who won the last of his 14 Sweden caps in October 2023, said: "I am really happy to have signed for Aberdeen.

"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.

"This is a historic club with big ambition and I look forward to playing at Pittodrie in front of the Red Army."

Aberdeen made a late double signing on deadline day with striker Kevin Nisbet returning on a permanent deal and Sweden winger Jesper Karlsson arriving on loan.

That took Jimmy Thelin's summer signings haul to a dozen, while impactful winger and fans' favourite Shayden Morris was the final departure as he switched to Luton Town.

Dons fans, are you pleased with the club's transfer business? Does it leave the squad in good shape for the season ahead - or is Thelin light in certain positions?

Let us know your thoughts.

Tom English
BBC Scotland's chief sports writer

Image source, SNS

Aberdeen are hoping to complete a deal to sign striker Kevin Nisbet, who spent last season on loan at Pittodrie, from Millwall.

The deal is being finalised.

Scotland international Nisbet scored 14 goals and contributed a further five assists in 38 appearances for Aberdeen last term.

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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It should be a "quite busy" deadline day at Pittodrie.

Those were the words of Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin in the aftermath of Sunday's 1-0 Scottish Premiership defeat to Falkirk.

"We have identified things we want to improve," explained the Swede.

Having played three league games, lost them all and failed to score a goal, at least one striker will be top of the shopping list.

And don't be surprised if the Dons add to other areas of a squad which appears light in numbers for the rigours of both domestic and European competition over the coming months.

In terms of players heading through the exit door, Shayden Morris has already departed for Luton Town and there may well be others who follow.

We asked for your thoughts after Aberdeen lost again in the Premiership, this time against newly-promoted Falkirk.

Here is what some of you had to say:

Doug: Five wins in more than 30 games doesn't feel like a 'project' on the right track. The cup win feelgood factor has evaporated in a glaring goal-free void. The rumoured sale of young Fletcher Boyd to Aston Villa is another example of proven talent being swapped for players hoping Aberdeen will help them rediscover their lost mojos. The whole club seems lost at the minute.

Bob: Replacing men with boys. There doesn't appear to be any ambition at Pittodrie. Relegation material for sure.

Colin: The midfield never manages to take control of a match. The defending is at times embarrassing. Attacks break down as soon as they near the penalty area. There is no movement to anticipate passes and open up defences. There is no striker worth the name. Jimmy Thelin's mumbled platitudes get more irritating every week. The results are dire. How long can we continue like this?

Allen: Even though he won the cup, Thelin is not up to the job. He is far too quiet. Nae goals, nae points and bottom of the league with little chance of improvement. The man has to go.

Dick: From assessment of the play against FCSB and Falkirk the outfield play and activity in the opposition box is more exciting than last year. The creation of quality opportunities and ability to convert them is still not there and this defence will continue to leak goals.

Malky: How long will it take before Thelin is scrutinised? Cup win aside, and of course I wouldn't trade it in for anything, the league record is abysmal. We are one of the most predictable teams in the league & never look like scoring.

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Jimmy Thelin insists the money received for Shayden Morris will be reinvested in the Aberdeen squad and reveals the winger's mind was "elsewhere".

Luton Town have signed Morris for an undisclosed fee having had two bids rejected earlier in the summer.

The former Fleetwood player made 87 appearances for the Dons, scoring five goals.

The Englishman played a central role in Aberdeen's Scottish Cup triumph last season, but with just nine months left on his contract, Aberdeen have agreed to move him on.

"Shayden has had a really positive impact for the club during my time in Aberdeen," Thelin said.

"However, he made it clear to us that this was a move he was keen to explore and with his current contract situation the club has ensured it received good value to allow us to continue to invest in the playing squad.

"Whilst Shayden has been professional throughout, when a player's mind is made up and is effectively elsewhere, it is important we focus all our attention on the players who are here to help the team continue to grow.

"It is also vital the club continue to develop and sell players, it's part of the model we are operating. This gives us a good fee now, an opportunity to earn more if he and Luton do well, and a healthy interest in the player should his career flourish and he goes on again."

Watch all the highlights from Falkirk's 1-0 victory over Aberdeen at Pittodrie as the hosts picked up their first top-flight win in 15 years.

UK users only.

Slovenian striker Ester Sokler could leave Aberdeen before the transfer deadline - if the Dons can bring in another striker to replace the 26-year-old. (Daily Record), external

Aberdeen attacking midfielder Fletcher Boyd has completed a medical ahead of a £1m move to Aston Villa and the 17-year-old has agreed terms on a three-year contract with the Premier League club. (Sky Sports), external

Image source, BBC Sport

New loan signing Kyrell Wilson's second half strike secured Falkirk their first Scottish Premiership win in 15 years against a 10-man Aberdeen, who faced their third league loss in as many matches this season.

Read the full match report

Have your say here

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Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin: "The level we're performing at right now in terms of our calmness of play and decision making as a team is not good enough and that's my responsibility. We need to sit down now and find a way to win games.

"I think we can do better when we're a man down and try to keep a clean sheet.

"We don't need to get so stressed in those situations. It's small things and we have to make better decisions under pressure. That's the main thing for us just now.

"It's my responsibility to push the players in the right direction and balance the team.

"We need to win games now and get the rhythm going. We need to show our fans we are strong team. I have a strong belief we can fix this and this break is our best opportunity to make a difference when we come back.

"We have no points and no goals. Some of the performances have been okay, but it's not good enough.

"We have to adjust some parts and find a pathway forward."

The Scottish transfer window closes at 23:00 BST on Monday 1 September so there's still time for business to be done.

What do Aberdeen need to do before the window slams shut?

Have your say here

Aston Villa are in talks to sign Fletcher Boyd, with Aberdeen wanting £1m and a significant sell-on clause for the 17-year-old. (Sky Sports), external

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Aberdeen have completed the signing of Scotland youth international Mitchel Frame from Celtic for an undisclosed fee.

The 19-year-old has signed a four-year deal at Pittodrie after making just one solitary appearance for Celtic's first team.

Frame, who plays at left-back, came on for the last 15 minutes of Celtic's 2-1 win over Feyenoord in the Champions League group stage back in December 2023.

Most of his experience so far comes in the Lowland League, but he has also made numerous appearances for Scotland's under-17 and under-19 youth teams.

"We have been monitoring Mitchel's progress for some time, and we are very pleased we have eventually managed to sign him", said Dons boss Jimmy Thelin.

"He is a forward-thinking full back, with pace and physicality, and he fits well with how we want to play and what our expectations are of our full backs. His arrival will also give us more resilience and stability in that area of the pitch.

"He's an exciting talent and we look forward to working with him to help him release his future potential."

Nick McPheat
BBC Sport Scotland

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Despite leaving Aberdeen as the club's record sale, there was a sense Girona were signing Bojan Miovski for a snip last summer.

The new Rangers striker's record of 44 goals in 98 Dons games averaged out at almost a goal every other game.

That form prompted Girona to spend a reported £6.5m to take the North Macedonia forward to La Liga.

Things have not worked out for Miovski in Spain, though. He has failed to nail down a starting spot, scoring just four goals in 23 matches.

During his time in Scotland, we know the former Aberdeen man ranked as one of the league's top strikers, netting 18 times across all competitions in his first season before bagging 26 the following campaign.

So Rangers know they are getting someone with a proven Scottish Premiership record who is potentially entering his peak years.

What they are also getting is a striker who does not hide in big matches.

Rangers have first-hand experience of that. In nine meetings with the Ibrox side, Miovski scored four times. Against Celtic, he netted three times in seven matches.

A combined seven goals in 16 games against the Old Firm is certainly an eye-catching record with Celtic set to visit Ibrox on Sunday.

The 26-year-old also netted in three of his four visits to Hampden with the Dons, including a memorable winner for a 10-man Aberdeen side against Hibernian in the 2023 League Cup semi-finals.

A European record of four goals in seven games makes for impressive reading, too.

Amid a troubling start to the season, Rangers' summer recruits have faced criticism from fans and pundits for seeming to not have the mentality, or quality, to succeed at the club.

Miovski's Aberdeen evidence suggests he would thrive off that expectation.

Rangers fans, what do you make of Miovski's arrival? Send us your thoughts.