Aberdeen sell midfielder Heltne Nilsen

Aberdeen have sold midfielder Sivert Heltne Nilsen to Norwegian second-tier club FK Haugesund.

The 34-year-old asked to leave the club to return to his homeland so he can be closer to his family and pursue coaching alongside his playing career.

Aberdeen manager Stephen Robinson paid tribute to Nislen as an "outstanding professional" during his short time in charge.

Robinson also confirmed the club will look to add a defender to the squad to cover for the loss of Nilsen, who had been filling in at centre-back.

Nilsen was one of former Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin's first recruits in the summer of 2024 having worked alongside him at Elfsborg, and played regularly last season at Pittodrie.

He started by helping the club to a recrod-breaking start to the season and ended the campaign with a Scottish Cup winners' medal despite missing the final against Celtic with an eye injury.

However, his minutes have been limited this term as Aberdeen struggled for form and Thelin lost his job, playing 23 times mostly as a substitute.

Nilsen said he was "incredibly grateful" for his time at Aberdeen.

"The start we made last season, and of course being part of the group that won the Scottish Cup, was amazing," Nilsen said.

"The scenes in May are something my family and I will never forget.

"This season has been disappointing, but I am confident that, with Stephen leading the team, we will finish strongly and build momentum again for next season."