Croatian midfielder Ante Palaversa has signed a two-year contract extension, tying him to Aberdeen until the summer of 2027.

The 24-year-old arrived last summer and has impressed in red, making seventeen appearances for Jimmy Thelin’s side. He has scored twice, including the winner the last time Aberdeen met tomorrow’s opponents Hearts at Pittodrie.

Ante said: “I’m really enjoying my time here at Aberdeen and am focussed on continuing my development under the manager and the coaching staff.

“I want to say a big thank you to the supporters for their continuous encouragement and look forward to being part of the manager’s long-term plans. I am determined to play my part in delivering success for this Club.”

Palaversa came through the ranks at Hadjuk Split, before a big-money move to English giants Manchester City – the fee reported publicly as €7m.

As is common, several development loans to gain experience would follow, including being back at Hadjuk, in Belgium with K.V. Oostende, in La Liga with Getafe and eventually back in Belgium with K.V. Kortrijk.

An injury-hit two-years in northern France with Troyes would follow, before making a permanent move to the SPFL.

“We have been very pleased with Ante’s development in his time at Aberdeen,” Dons boss Jimmy Thelin added.

“We can visibly see him taking more and more responsibility every single day. As he gets used to Scotland, the culture and the game in this country, we will see him growing even more as a player.

“The coaching staff and I not only have a lot of belief in him now, but also the potential that he has to become an excellent player.”