Aberdeen have announced the signing of Dutch centre-back Mats Knoester.
The 26-year-old has penned a two-and-a-half-year deal at Pittodrie, strengthening Jimmy Thelin’s defensive options.
Knoester began his career with Eredivisie giants Feyenoord before moving to Heracles in the summer of 2019. He later joined Hungarian side Ferencvaros, making 50 appearances before his contract recently expired.
“Mats has a really strong pedigree”, said Dons boss Thelin after capturing his fifth addition of the winter window.
“He has had a good football education in the Netherlands and brings with him experience in European competitions.
“His arrival will assist us defensively, providing further reinforcements as a left sided centre half, and it is clear he is really excited about this new challenge in his career.”
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Knoester shared that he had several other transfer options, but the challenge in the Granite City ultimately swayed it for him.
He said: “I had other options but when I knew Aberdeen were interested, I wanted to come here.
“I was already aware of the club and how big it was and as soon as I arrived, I could see how professional the environment is.
“I am looking forward to this challenge, in a good league, where football is deep in the culture.
“It is important to have a place to settle in this phase of my career and find a stable place to be where I can show my qualities, compete in this squad and get my chance of playing at a club that is really ambitious.”
The Dons’ latest recruit previously played alongside Stefan Gartenmann at Ferencvaros and revealed that a brief conversation with the former Aberdeen loanee influenced his decision to join.
“I know Stefan Gartenmann,” explained Knoester.
“I know him from Ferencvaros and we talked about it. He was also very positive about the move.
“He texted me because he heard about the interest. I asked him how is it there, how is life, how is the club? He didn’t say a bad word about anything.”
Aberdeen are expected to land striker Oday Dabbagh from Sporting Charleroi before tonight's 11pm deadline.
Meanwhile, Angus MacDonald, who hasn’t played for Aberdeen since being subbed off at half-time in a defeat to Motherwell, is currently in England finalising a transfer away from the club.
