Jimmy Thelin backs Topi Keskinen to star for Finland after Aberdeen move
Winger becomes 6th summer arrival
Last updated 13th Aug 2024
Jimmy Thelin believes Aberdeen can help new signing Topi Keskinen become a fully-fledged Finland international.
The 21-year-old winger has agreed a four-year deal at Pittodrie after moving for an undisclosed fee from HJK Helsinki, where he impressed over the past year and a half after joining from second-tier Mikkelin in early 2023.
Keskinen has been capped at Under-21 level by Finland and manager Thelin expects him to develop further in the Scottish Premiership and earn full international recognition.
"A really exciting young talent"
"Topi is a really exciting young talent who we believe will add some real quality to our side here at Aberdeen," he told the Dons website.
"His arrival will strengthen our options in the forward areas and he has all the attributes to be a big success at this football club. His pace, creativity and also the fight and determination he shows will make him a major asset for the team.
"We believe this will be the perfect environment for Topi to continue his development and help him achieve international recognition."
The arrival of Keskinen comes at a time when talismanic Aberdeen striker Bojan Miovski is close to finalising a move to Spanish side Girona.
Keskinen faced Aberdeen last season
The Finnish winger has already experienced playing at Pittodrie after turning out for HJK in their 1-1 draw away to the Dons in the Conference League group stage last October.
"From playing against Aberdeen at Pittodrie last season, I remember when we had matchday minus one, I said to my team-mates at the time this is a real football stadium," said Keskinen.
"The atmosphere was amazing. I remember it being super nice. It was a great stadium to play in.
"My first impressions of Aberdeen FC and the training ground are very good. Everything is very professional. Everything is done properly.
What will he add to the Dons team ?
"I would say that I am a really aggressive player, an attacking winger who likes one v one situations, and also running behind the lines. I am a player who always gives my all.
"Scoring goals is the best part of playing football. And hopefully I can chip in with some goals for Aberdeen, but I always like to create chances for my team-mates, that is what I do.
"I am just looking forward to meeting all the fans at the stadium. Hopefully we will have some nice moments together and I will score some goals so we can celebrate together. That is what I want."