Dennis Geiger has more than 100 appearances in the Bundesliga
Published February 11, 2026 • Source: https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cwynzgd2q4go
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.
He arrives as Adil Aouchiche was recalled from his loan from Sunderland so he could join Bundesliga 2 leaders Schalke 04 on a permanent transfer and another midfielder, Leighton Clarkson, was sold to Blackpool.
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.
An "excited" Geiger told the Dons website: "I know Lutz well from our time at Hoffenheim. He made it clear how much Aberdeen wanted to have me here, so the decision was easy for me."
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.
Goalkeeper Per Kristian Bratveit has also been brought in from Stromsgodset, while forward Toyosi Olusanya is on loan from Houston Dynamo and defender Liam Morrison from Queens Park Rangers.
Exiting Frenchman Aouchiche had made 30 appearances while on loan to the Dons.
Clarkson, meanwhile, has signed a two-and-a-half year contract, with an option for a further 12 months, with League One club Blackpool.
The 24-year-old Englishman had spent four years at Pittodrie but made only three starts this season.