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Palaversa makes Pittodrie move
Croatian youth international Ante Palaversa is our fifth recruit of the summer.
The midfielder joins the Dons on a one-year deal, with a club option for a further two years, for an undisclosed fee from French side ES Troyes, and awaits his UK work permit.
“Ante is a player with a strong pedigree so we are delighted he has opted to join us at Aberdeen”, said Dons boss Jimmy Thelin.
“He will bring real quality to our midfield options with his technical ability.
“He has had a frustrating period in the last eighteen months however he is a player we believe has significant potential and we look forward to giving him the platform to rebuild his promising career.”
The 24-year-old is a product of the Hajduk Split youth academy and made his first-team debut in a UEFA Europa League qualifier against Slavia Sofia, aged just 18.
His early promise for both Hajduk and the Croatian youth teams prompted English giants Manchester City to snap him up in January 2019 for a fee reported to be around €7m. He was immediately loaned back to his former club to continue his development.
As is common amongst some of the bigger English clubs, Ante was then farmed out on several loans to gain valuable first-team experience.
He played a season in the Jupiler Pro League with K.V. Oostende before moving onto La Liga outfit Getafe in the summer of 2023 before returning to Belgium in January, signing for K.V. Kortrijk on an 18-month loan.
He racked up almost 50 appearances for De Kerels, scoring on three occasions, earning himself a move to then Ligue1 club Troyes.
His time in North-east France has been interrupted by injury but now, back fit, he has bolstered the midfield numbers for Jimmy Thelin’s side, who have had to cope with the long-term injuries to both Dante Polvara and Leighton Clarkson.
Having made the move to the Dons Ante is eager to get started. He said: “I feel I need to take this opportunity at Aberdeen to prove myself and get my career back on track. I know it is a big Club and having spoken to the manager I know we all want to deliver success.
“I’m a creative midfielder, I like to play football and I believe I will get my chance here.
“I want to do my best for myself, the team and the supporters.”
To watch Ante’s first RedTV interview- please click here.