Aberdeen boss Jimmy Thelin on summer transfer signings and Portugal training camp benefits.

Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin has signed six players this summer, including Sunderland Aouchiche on loan and Icelandic under-20 international Kjartan Már Kjartansson. Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin has signed six players this summer, including Sunderland midfielder Adil Aouchiche on loan and Icelandic under-20 international Kjartan Már Kjartansson.

Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin feels the Portugal camp provided an important opportunity to examine the attitude and leadership abilities of his summer additions.

Thelin has signed six new players during the summer transfer window and is looking to add more.

Prior to departing for a training camp in the Algarve, the Dons signed four new players: attacker Kusini Yengi, winger Nicolas Milanovic, left-back Emmanuel Gyamfi, and goalkeeper Nick Suman. All four stayed in Portugal for the entire 10-day training session.

During the warm-weather training, Thelin made two more signings: attacking midfielders Adil Aouchiche and Kjartan Már Kjartansson.

Aouchiche, 22, was signed on a season-long loan from English Premier League Sunderland. The Dons have the option to buy the French midfielder for a club record £1.5 million.

Thelin assessing leadership and responsibility

Kjartansson, an Icelandic under-20 international, joined with Stjarnan on a four-year contract.

Aouchiche, a former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder, and Kjartansson flew to Portugal midway through camp to join the Dons.

Aberdeen is now back in the Granite City, but Thelin feels the camp provided a good insight into the personalities of the new arrivals. He remarked, “We have new signings, and when we’re in camp, you can see their leadership and responsibilities. “You can observe how they interact with their teammates. “You can also examine how they handle fatigue. “Then there’s how they add energy to the team. “These are the types of things we can detect and work with. “You can’t do everything in ten days, of course. “But at the at least, you can spot issues, be informed, and then talk to the players to steer them in the correct direction.

“That is our job with the players – to guide them to grow as a player but also as a person.” Aberdeen missed out on Moussa Soumano, who signed a four-year contract with Dutch club NAC Breda after leaving AC Ajaccio.

Building a ‘connection’ in the squad

The Dons had an initial €500,000 proposal for the 19-year-old turned down by the French second-tier club.

Aberdeen is believed to have returned with a better offer to Ajaccio.

Thelin is collaborating closely with head of recruiting Nuno de Almeida to find and secure additional signings this summer.

With new arrivals, football potential is acknowledged, but it is only when working with players that their personalities emerge.

Thelin stated, “It’s not just about the abilities of a football player; we want to be a good team. “Football is a team sport, and we need to stay linked. “We want to be able to help our teammates grow and take responsibility in difficult situations during a game.”

“We will have to deal with competing in four competitions in the coming season (European League, Premiership, Scottish Cup, and League Cup). “So, everyone will have to take their responsibilities.

“They must develop a team attitude in which they go above and beyond to help one another. “Especially in how you handle responsibility, which is what it is all about when working for a football team.

“We must constantly give our all and make the finest effort possible. “Try to get a little bit better every day.” After winning the Scottish Cup, Thelin rapidly strengthened his squad by signing Milanovic, Yengi, Gyamfi, and Suman.

The purchase of winger Milanovic from Australian A-League Western Sydney Wanderers for roughly £400,000 was confirmed before the end of the season.

Timeframe on landing more signings

The transfer window is open until September 1. Thelin is seeking to get additional additions, and ideally wants them before the window closes to give them time to integrate into the club. Aberdeen’s Premiership campaign begins on Monday, August 4, with an away game at Hearts.

They will enter the Europa League play-offs on August 21. Thelin stated: “The window is open for many more weeks. “However, you always want players in early so they can establish these relationships.

“It is critical for players to get to know their teammates and adjust to a new environment, context, and league.” “To have that time to get their qualities out so they can adapt and then get their qualities out on the pitch.”

Youngster heads out on loan

Findlay Marshall, an Aberdeen midfielder, has joined Championship side Arbroath on loan until the end of the season.

The 19-year-old spent last season on loan at Cove Rangers, where he scored eight goals in 38 League One games.

Dons boss Jimmy Thelin stated, “It’s critical that Findlay builds on his successful loan spell with Cove last season.” “This opportunity at Arbroath will allow him to play regular senior football in a professional setting and be tested at the next level in the Championship.

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