ABERDEEN have landed highly-rated Icelandic midfielder Kjartan Már Kjartansson.
The 18-year-old has penned a four-year deal at Pittodrie from Stjarnan after Aberdeen beat off competition from across Europe.
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Kjartansson is expected to be fast-tracked into Iceland’s full squad and believes his move to Pittodrie will kick on his career.
He said: “It’s an amazing feeling to sign for such a big club and I just can’t wait to get started.
“I got a warm welcome from the guys, and I couldn’t have asked for anything more.
“Aberdeen is a big club in Iceland, we know the history with the European cups, so it was an easy decision to come here.
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“It’s a good move for this stage in my career and I think the Scottish game will suit my style of play.
“I’ve heard the fans are very passionate, I saw the footage of them after the Scottish Cup win, so I am excited to play in front of them.
“It gives me the drive to reach that goal and achieve big things with the club.”
Pittodrie boss Jimmy Thelin revealed he’s been desperate to land the teen for some time – and is glad to have got in first to sign him.
He said: “Kjartan is a player who our scouting department have been aware of and tracking for some time.
“We are pleased to have signed him given the significant interest from some big clubs.
“For a player still so young, he has played an impressive volume of minutes for the first team and the Icelandic youth international squads.
“He has a very good defensive and positional mind for the game.
“He has performed well for Stjarnan when winning possession back for his team, makes key interceptions and protecting the team in transition – all the qualities we look for at the base of our midfield and it’ s impressive when you consider his age.
“He is a very exciting talent, but we also know we need to work with him to develop further, and he will take time to adapt to a new club, a new league and a new country.
“We must be patient; we must nurture him and at times we must protect him to ensure we are able to realise his significant potential.”
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