Aberdeen Football Club have made history this afternoon by completing the signing of their first ever Venezuelan international. Ronald Hernandez is joining the club on a four-and-a-half-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

The 22-year-old right back, who featured in the quarter final of the Copa America against Argentina last summer, arrives from Norwegian club Stabæk Fotball, where he has played for the past two and a half years.

The talented and highly rated young South American played in the Under 20 World Cup Final two years ago. He has been tracked by AFC’s recruitment team and has been on Derek McInnes’ radar for some time.

The manager, who has been seeking to maximise this transfer window to continue to build his first team, believes this is a major coup for the Dons.

“In a race against time, we’ve pulled out all the stops to get Hernandez to Pittodrie and part of the squad for this weekend and everyone is excited about his potential.

“He’s a young player, but he’s already got 15 caps for Venezuela, albeit in a number of friendlies. He’s played against the likes of Argentina with Messi and their stars and he’s done enough over the last couple of seasons to suggest that he’s going the right way.

“When I first spoke to Ronald, he was very keen to come and experience the Scottish Premier League with Aberdeen. Now, we have got him onboard with us, he can hopefully reach his full potential and be a valuable asset going forward.”

Ronald, who has been in Paris awaiting visa clearance, can’t wait to become a Dons player and is eager to kick off his career at Pittodrie.

“I am so excited to start my journey with the team, with Aberdeen. I cannot wait to get started.

“I want to continue to build myself and continue to improve my football and I see the Scottish League and Aberdeen as giving me a really great opportunity to show my own great football.

“I’m really happy. It’s a very important step for me to join this great club.”

Ronald will join his new teammates in Glasgow this evening and will go straight into the squad for the match against Rangers on Saturday, subject to international clearance.

GLEESON DEPARTS PITTODRIE