Mats Knoester has today joined the Dons.

The 26-year-old centre back is our fifth recruit of the January transfer window and arrives on a two-and-a-half-year deal, with a further option, and once visa formalities are complete.

“Mats has a really strong pedigree”, said Dons boss Jimmy Thelin.

“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.”

Knoester began his career in the Feyenoord youth academy and developed there for 14 years before moving to Heracles in 2019. Spending three years with the Eredivisie side, he moved to Hungary in 2022 signing for Ferencvaros.

Mats won the NBI league with Ferencvaros in May 2023 before joining Aarhus Gymnastikforening (AGF) in Denmark later that year on a one-year loan deal with a purchase option.

As soon as Mats heard that Aberdeen were interested there was only one team he wanted to sign for.

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.”

RedTV subscribers can watch an exclusive interview with Mats by clicking here.