Eirik Horneland Set To Lead Aberdeen Managerial Revolution

There’s a fresh sense of anticipation swirling around Pittodrie as Aberdeen’s search for a new manager enters its final, decisive stages. The Dons, who parted ways with Jimmy Thelin at the start of January 2026 following a string of disappointing results, appear to have zeroed in on Norwegian coach Eirik Horneland as their number one target. After weeks of speculation, interviews, and a shortlist that included names like Stephen Robinson, Markus Gisdol, and Robert Klauss, all signs now point to Horneland as the man Aberdeen chiefs believe can guide the club into a new era.

Horneland, 50, is currently a free agent following his recent departure from French club Saint-Etienne. His exit, confirmed on February 1, 2026, came after 14 months at the helm and a total of 43 matches in charge. The move, described by Saint-Etienne as a “mutual agreement,” marked the end of a challenging tenure in France. The club, which had suffered relegation from Ligue 1 last season, was sitting fifth in Ligue 2 at the time of his departure. In a statement, Saint-Etienne praised Horneland’s “integrity and the genuine warmth of the relationships he built across the club,” noting that “his influence stretched beyond the touchline.”

So, what makes Horneland such an appealing candidate for the Aberdeen job? The answer lies in his impressive track record in Norwegian football. Horneland’s managerial journey began in earnest at FK Haugesund, where he worked as both assistant and head coach. He later took charge of Norway’s U19 team before a brief but notable stint at Rosenborg, the country’s most prestigious club. At Rosenborg, he led the team to a third-place league finish and guided them into the group stage of the Europa League—a feat that did not go unnoticed among European football observers.

But it was with SK Brann that Horneland truly made his name. Appointed head coach in August 2021, he inherited a team reeling from relegation. His impact was immediate and profound: Brann stormed to the Norwegian First Division title in 2022, finishing a remarkable 23 points clear of their nearest rivals. The following season, Horneland’s Brann not only secured a second-place finish in the Eliteserien, Norway’s top flight, but also lifted the Norwegian Cup, capping a period of remarkable revival. His efforts earned him a spot on World Soccer’s Manager of the Year shortlist in 2023, and he was widely lauded for his attacking 4-3-3 setup and ability to inspire his squads.

Horneland’s connection to Scotland goes beyond his current candidacy. Aberdeen’s Sporting Director, Lutz Pfannenstiel, has long been an admirer of the Norwegian coach. Pfannenstiel previously tried to lure Horneland to St Louis City and Fortuna Düsseldorf during his own stints at those clubs. Now, with the managerial vacancy at Pittodrie, he’s once again turned to Horneland—this time with the hope of finally securing his signature. According to sources close to the club, negotiations are ongoing, and there’s optimism that a deal could be finalized in the coming days.

Peter Leven, Aberdeen’s first-team coach, has been holding the fort as interim manager since Thelin’s departure. Leven has managed one win in four league outings and guided the Dons past Raith Rovers in the Scottish Cup. The club currently sits seventh in the Scottish Premiership, eight points outside the top six, but with a game in hand on Falkirk. It’s a precarious position, and the sense of urgency at Pittodrie is palpable. The hope is that Horneland—should he accept the role—can steady the ship and inject fresh momentum into the campaign.

What would Horneland bring to Aberdeen? For starters, a proven ability to rebuild squads and instill a winning mentality. At Brann, he demonstrated tactical flexibility, a keen eye for youth development, and the capacity to galvanize players after setbacks. Notably, Aberdeen midfielder Sivert Heltne Nilsen served as Horneland’s captain during those successful Brann campaigns, which could ease the Norwegian’s transition into the Pittodrie dressing room.

Horneland’s willingness to work with existing staff is another plus. While he maintains a longstanding relationship with former assistant Hassan El Fakiri, reports suggest he’s open to assessing Aberdeen’s current coaching team before making any changes. This collaborative approach is seen as a positive by club insiders, who are eager to maintain stability during the transition.

Horneland’s recent experience in France wasn’t without its challenges. Taking over Saint-Etienne in December 2024, he was tasked with arresting a slide that ultimately saw the club relegated from Ligue 1. Although he managed only one win in his first ten matches, he was given the opportunity to lead a promotion push in Ligue 2. However, with the club sitting outside the automatic promotion spots and a change in direction at board level, both parties agreed to part ways. Despite the difficulties, Horneland’s tenure in France is viewed as further evidence of his resilience and adaptability in tough circumstances.

The timing of Horneland’s arrival in Scotland couldn’t be more critical. Aberdeen’s next fixtures include a Scottish Cup clash with Motherwell at home, followed by league tests against Dundee United, Motherwell (away), Dundee, and Hearts—all before the end of February. With the Dons fighting to break back into the top six and keep their cup ambitions alive, the new manager’s impact will be closely scrutinized from the outset.

As for the competition, it appears that Horneland has edged out Markus Gisdol and others for the job, thanks in part to his strong relationship with Pfannenstiel and his clear vision for the club’s future. Final interviews reportedly left the Aberdeen hierarchy impressed, and Horneland’s blend of Scandinavian pragmatism and attacking ambition seems to align perfectly with the Dons’ aspirations.

Fans are understandably eager for clarity, especially after a month of uncertainty and speculation. While nothing is official just yet, all the momentum points toward Eirik Horneland taking the reins at Pittodrie. If negotiations proceed as expected, Aberdeen could have their new manager in place within days—just in time for the crucial run of fixtures that could define their season.

For now, the Red Army waits. But with Horneland poised to step into the spotlight, Aberdeen supporters have reason to believe that brighter days could be just around the corner.