Aberdeen have completed the signing of Palestinian striker Oday Dabbagh, while another forward has departed Pittodrie.
The 26-year-old, who has 14 goals from 32 senior international caps, joins the Scottish Premiership side from Sporting Charleroi on-loan until the end of the 2024-25 season.
Aberdeen have been searching for a new frontman throughout the winter transfer window, with Ester Sokler ruled out indefinitely and Kevin Nisbet, Luis ‘Duk’ Lopes, and Peter Ambrose struggling to find the net regularly.
Jimmy Thelin’s team has scored just one goal in their last eight league games and will be hoping Dabbagh can provide the solution as they look to reverse their poor form.
Speaking after securing his move to the SPFL, Dabbagh said: “I am very happy to be joining AFC and look forward to meeting my teammates, the coaches and people around the club.
“I am looking forward to the challenge and I am hopeful that I will re-pay the trust everyone has shown in me with good performances for the team.”
While Thelin commented: “Oday is a clinical finisher who has an exceptional work ethic and his combative qualities will be a real asset for us.
“He has a strong personality, both on and off the pitch, and we believe he will be a positive addition, adding another dimension to our attacking options as we work to get back to winning ways.”
Read more:
The attacker going through the Aberdeen exit door is Duk, who has left for La Liga side CD Leganes.
Signed by Jim Goodwin in July 2022, Duk quickly became a fan favourite during his debut season, netting 18 goals from his first 43 appearances.
However, the Cape Verde international has struggled to maintain that form, scoring just nine times in his 70 Aberdeen outings since.
It’s believed that Leganes have paid around £600,000 for his services, and Benfica, Duk’s former employers, are due 50 per cent of the fee.
The 24-year-old previously attempted to secure a transfer away from Aberdeen last summer, and now he has finally achieved his goal.
“Duk has spoken for some time about his desire to try and make the next step in his career,” said Thelin
“When that happens, I want to ensure all our focus is on the players who can drive Aberdeen towards our objectives.
“His attitude and application since September cannot be faulted and we thank him for his efforts, and of course, for his contribution to the club over the last 3 years.”
(Image: SNS Group)
Read more:
-
Aberdeen sign defender with ‘really strong pedigree’ on deadline day
-
Jeffrey Schlupp to Celtic loan deal is back on after Tierney setback
In other news, Aberdeen have confirmed that Angus MacDonald has left the club to pursue opportunities elsewhere.
Reacting to the departure, Dons boss Thelin said: “Angus is at the point in his career where he needs to play regularly and at this moment in time his opportunities here are limited.
“His contributions, both on and off the pitch, during his time at Aberdeen have been significant, and he was a proud supporter and ambassador for AFC Community Trust where he became a role model for many youngsters who work with the Trust.
“We would like to wish Angus the best of luck with his future career and thank him for his effort and professionalism during his time here.”
(Image: SNS Group)
Here’s a summary of Aberdeen’s transfer business:
Ins - Alfie Dorrington (Tottenham Hotspur, loan), Jeppe Okkels (Preston North End, loan), Kristers Tobers (Grasshoppers), Alexander Jensen (IF Brommapojkarna), Mats Knoester (Unattached), Oday Dabbagh (Sporting Charleroi, loan)
Outs - Duk (Leganes), Angus MacDonald (Unattached), James McGarry (Kallithea, loan), Alfie Bavidge and Alfie Stewart (Inverness CT, loan)