Bilalovic chooses Aberdeen over ‘options across continent’

Aberdeen have signed Swedish youth international Kenan Bilalovic, with manager Jimmy Thelin saying the Dons fought off competition from across Europe.

Bilalovic, 20, has signed a five-year deal having joined from IFK Varnamo for an undisclosed fee.

He scored two goals in 40 appearances for Varnamo and becomes Aberdeen’s eighth summer signing.

“We’re delighted Kenan has chosen Aberdeen as the next step in his promising career”, Dons boss Jimmy Thelin said.

“Although he had a couple of other options across the continent, when we spoke to him about Aberdeen, he was excited about what we are striving to achieve here.”

Thelin says Bilalovic is a signing more for the future than the present and expects further arrivals before the transfer window closes.

“We will work hard with Kenan to develop him for the future, and he will need time to adapt to a new environment, however we are excited about his potential.

“His arrival is a further example of the recent expansion to our scouting network. Our ability to be the club of choice in these markets is being solidified and the positive changes and investment is beginning to deliver real benefits.

“We know we still have work to do between now and the end of the window to add strikers to our squad and maybe in one or two other areas as well.”