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Bologna have cut short Jesper Karlsson’s loan spell at Aberdeen by recalling the club’s top scorer and sending him to Utrecht for the remainder of the season. The 27-year-old Sweden international scored six goals in 26 appearances for the Dons after arriving at Pittodrie at the end of the summer transfer window. Utrecht have an option to buy him permanently.
Bologna recall Aberdeen loan forward Jesper Karlsson, who joins Utrecht
Bologna have recalled Aberdeen’s top scorer Jesper Karlsson from his loan at Pittodrie. The Sweden international will now move to Utrecht for the rest of the season, with the Dutch club holding an option to sign him permanently.
Karlsson, 27, arrived in Scotland at the end of the summer transfer window and scored six times in 26 appearances for the Dons. His signing was viewed as a major coup, with Bologna having paid AZ Alkmaar £10m for his services in 2023, but he did not consistently sparkle in a struggling Aberdeen side this season.
A key factor in Karlsson choosing the move to Aberdeen was the chance to work again with former Elfsborg manager Jimmy Thelin, who was sacked earlier this month. Aberdeen said the recall clause had been built into the original agreement and was triggered by Bologna.
“We were notified on Wednesday evening of Bologna’s decision to recall Jesper,” Aberdeen sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel said. Pfannenstiel added that he spoke with Karlsson and said the player was thankful for his time in Aberdeen, while the club had been “scenario-planning” in case the clause was used and would continue looking to strengthen the squad.
Karlsson also thanked Aberdeen supporters after his spell was ended early. “I have really enjoyed my time here and in Scotland,” he said, adding that results “didn’t always go as we had hoped,” but describing Aberdeen as a great club with a fantastic fanbase and wishing the staff, teammates and supporters the best for the future.
