Article in P&J this morning about Nilsen looking for a move back to Norway.
Might not be the worst outcome for us given his age, contract length, likely wage and playing time.
Aberdeen central midfielder Sivert Heltne Nilsen could soon be on the move back to Norway.
The 34-year-old reunited with former Elfsborg boss Jimmy Thelin by joining the Dons in summer 2024, abruptly giving up the Brann Bergen captaincy in the process – a decision which did not go down well across the North Sea.
Norway newspaper Bergens-Tidende now reports “several Norwegian clubs have been contacted by people connected to” Nilsen to float a transfer back to Scandinavia.
Sandefjord are said to be one of the club’s contacted, but newspaper BT say they are not interested in signing Nilsen.
Geir Morten Nilsen, the Aberdeen player’s uncle, is known to be his agent, and is well-connected in Norwegian football.
The Press and Journal understands Aberdeen are unaware of any such machinations involving Nilsen and his Dons future.
Aberdeen’s Nilsen currently out injured
Brought to Aberdeen on a three-year deal, which runs out in 2027, Nilsen has been viewed as Thelin’s on-field liuetenant, having captained the Swede’s Elfsborg side in the Allsvenskan during their first spell working together from 2019 to 2021.
The middle-man missed the latter part of his first season in Scotland – including the Scottish Cup final win in May – after suffering a freak eye injury in training, with initial fears Nilsen had a detached retina and his career might be in jeopardy.
But he was able to avoid surgey and returned to Aberdeen for pre-season.
Nilsen was back starting regularly for the Dons at the start of this campaign, though he came in for criticism from fans for his performances during their miserable season opening.
The veteran has been absent from the squad for last five matches – including Thursday’s vital 0-0 Conference League draw at AEK Larnaca – with a hamstring injury.
Nilsen’s last match in red was for the club’s B side, as he played 90 minutes as an over-age player in a 2-2 Evolution Trophy draw with Elgin City on October 11.
On Wednesday, at his pre-match press conference, Aberdeen gaffer Thelin said Nilsen would also miss Sunday’s Premiership clash with Motherwell, as he is only expected to return to action after the upcoming international break.