Lutz Pfannenstiel tips Afeez Aremu to bring ‘a real physical edge’ to Aberdeen

Afeez Aremu has been backed to bring “a real physical edge” to Aberdeen after the Nigerian midfielder joined on a permanent transfer from German second division team Kaiserslautern.

The 26-year-old has agreed a contract with the Dons until 2028 and becomes their fifth signing of the January window, following the arrivals of Lyall Cameron, Liam Morrison, Toyosi Olusanya, and Per Kristian Bratveit.

Sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel has been overseeing the Pittodrie club’s recruitment while their search for a new manager continues.

He told the Dons website: “Afeez is going to bring a real physical edge to the squad, something which I think we have been looking for.

“He’s strong, robust and comes with good experience in a competitive environment in Germany.

“He also is tactically aware so combined with all his athletic attributes we believe he can adapt well to the intensity of the Scottish game and make a real impact.”

Aremu, who joined Kaiserslautern from St Pauli in 2023, said: “I like new challenges and I think Aberdeen offers that. For me, I am growing and taking the next step in my career so it’s a huge move.

“I’m an aggressive player but I have other attributes to my game.”

Dons striker Kusini Yengi, meanwhile, has joined Japanese side Cerezo Osaka on loan for the remainder of the season.

The 27-year-old Australian has struggled to establish himself since moving to Pittodrie last summer following two years with Portsmouth.

Yengi, contracted to the Reds until the summer of 2028, scored once in 10 appearances in the first half of the season but has not featured in the William Hill Premiership since September, with his last outing coming as a substitute in the Conference League defeat by Strasbourg on December 11.