Serbian defender Slobodan Rubežić is Barry Robson’s latest summer recruit.

The 6ft 4-inch centre-back joins from Serbian SuperLiga club FK Novi Pazar for an undisclosed fee.

A virtual ever-present last season for the Blues, who only just missed out on qualification for the UEFA Europa Conference League, Slobodan has signed a three-year contract at Pittodrie, with a club option to add a fourth.

“Slobodan is a good old-fashioned defender, exactly what we need to bolster our defensive options”, said Dons boss Barry Robson.

“He has had to be patient as we worked through the process, so I’m delighted to get this one finally over the line.

“Slobodan is a really driven and determined player who enjoys winning. He believes Aberdeen is the perfect environment for the next step in his footballing career and we look forward to working with him to help fulfil his personal aspirations, while also helping the club to achieve its ambitions next season.”

Rubežić came through the youth ranks at FK Vojvodina, but his first year as a professional came with SuperLiga club FK Čukarički.

He would drop down a division to join Novi Pazar in 2019 and immediately established himself as a regular starter, helping the team to promotion to the top-flight in the Covid interrupted campaign, although that was aided by a restructure in the Serbian league.

Injury restricted most of his 2020/2021 campaign, but he got himself back on track again in 2021/2022, including a loan at FC Arda Kardzhali in the Bulgarian top-flight.

He returned to his parent club last summer and was a prominent figure at the heart of the Novi Pazar defence in 2022/2023 season, starting 37 of their 41 matches, with only suspension stopping him from playing every minute.

Slobodan is looking forward to a new challenge at Pittodrie and testing himself in the Scottish game.
He said:“I am very happy to have signed for such a big club and to now be playing in a country that loves football.

“I will do my talking on the field and will give everything I have for the team.

“I can’t wait to meet the supporters soon and to play my part in helping to deliver success for such a historic football club.”