Aberdeen snap up free agent as injury update provided after 'traumatic impact'

Aberdeen have used the free agent market to snap up a new defender beyond the transfer deadline after revealing centre-back Mats Knoester faces a spell on the sidelines.

The Dons have signed 27-year-old centre-back Tom McIntyre on a short-term contract until the end of the season following the mutual termination of his contract with Portsmouth.

McIntyre, a former Scotland Under-21 international, has made over 130 appearances in the English Championship having started his professional career with Reading before joining Portsmouth in the summer of 2024. He went on to enjoy loan spells at Charlton Athletic and Bradford City before deciding his future lay away from Fratton Park.

Tom McIntyre has signed for Aberdeen after terminating his contract at Portsmouth. Pic: Bradley Collyer/PA Wire | PA

“When the opportunity arose to join Aberdeen, it was something I was really keen to make happen”, said McIntyre. “It’s obviously a huge club and as a Scottish player I know how passionate the fans are here so I hope I can play my part in helping the team finish the season strongly.”

Aberdeen sporting director, Lutz Pfannenstiel, added: “Tom is an experienced defender, and he will add quality and depth to our defensive options where things are a little stretched at the moment. He has a good pedigree, and we believe he has the ability to make an impact for the club. He’s eager to prove himself in the Scottish Premiership.”

McIntyre’s arrival at Pittodrie strengthens options in the Dons defensive department after Dutch centre-back Knoester was ruled out for the “short to medium term” following a serious head injury in the 3-0 defeat by Kilmarnock at Rugby Park on Saturday.

An Aberdeen statement on the Dutchman’s condition read: “Following the completion of a comprehensive set of medical tests we can now provide an update on defender Mats Knoester who sustained a serious injury during the weekend’s match with Kilmarnock.

Aberdeen's Mats Knoester suffered a serious head injury in the defeat by Kilmarnock on Saturday. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group) | SNS Group

“Having suffered traumatic impact on the pitch, Mats was transferred to Crosshouse Hospital for further diagnostics.

“He has now been discharged and will continue his medical management under the supervision of the club medical staff. Unfortunately, given the nature of the injury it does mean Mats will be unavailable for the short to medium term and an accurate estimate of his return to play will become clear in the coming weeks.

“We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the medical staff at Crosshouse Hospital for their care of Mats and to the staff at Kilmarnock FC who assisted in the immediate aftermath of the injury. We wish Mats a speedy recovery.”