Hoffenheim’s Geiger eyes ‘new beginning’ with Aberdeen

Aberdeen have signed Dennis Geiger on loan, with the German midfielder relishing “the chance for a restart, a new beginning” after being sidelined by Hoffenheim this season.

The Dons have an option to make the 27-year-old’s move permanent in the summer.

Geiger, a former Germany Under-21 cap, has not played a minute of football this season after public criticising Hoffenheim’s recruitment strategy last term.

But he broke through at the German side during Dons sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel’s time at the club, where he was head director of international relations and scouting.

Geiger has racked up almost 150 appearances for Hoffenheim’s first team and was once considered a future German international.

“It’s the chance for a restart, a new beginning,” he said. “I want to push myself out of my comfort zone and take on this new challenge.”

Asked what kind of player “passionate” Aberdeen fans will see, Geiger suggested: “I like to be aggressive, but I believe in my technical ability. I’ve got a strong mentality. I want to win in everything I do.”

Pfannenstiel is delighted with the Scottish Premiership club’s sixth signing of the January transfer window.

“Dennis will bring real energy and tenacity to the squad,” he said.

“I’ve known him since his early years at Hoffenheim, so I know what type of character he is.

“He has played at the highest level so brings a real pedigree and attributes, which I believe can help improve us.”

Aberdeen had already added Afeez Aremu from Kaiserslautern and Lyall Cameron, on loan from Rangers, to their midfield options.