Nilsen returns to Norway after two years at Pittodrie following a request to leave the Scottish Premiership club. The 34-year-old requested the move to be closer to his family in Bergen and to pursue a future coaching pathway. He departs Aberdeen after making 56 appearances and scoring two goals for the side, according to the official club website.
The defensive midfielder joined the Dons in 2024 from SK Brann to reunite with former manager Jimmy Thelin. However, Nilsen has only started once since November during the 2025-26 campaign under head coach Stephen Robinson. His final start for the club was a 2-1 defeat against Celtic on March 4, per the Press and Journal.
Robinson stated that Nilsen conducted himself impeccably despite limited first-team opportunities in recent months. The transfer was completed before the Norwegian window closes on March 31. Aberdeen intend to seek a short-term defensive replacement following the departure, as reported by the Daily Record.
