St. Pauli Signs Dimitar Mitov as New Goalkeeper
St. Pauli have moved decisively to solve their goalkeeping question, confirming on Thursday morning the signing of Aberdeen’s first-choice keeper Dimitar Mitov for a reported €400,000.
Relegation to the 2. Bundesliga had already triggered upheaval in goal. Long-time number one Nikola Vasilj chose a new adventure in the Saudi Pro League with newcomers Al-Diriyah rather than extend his expiring deal at the Millerntor. His exit left a gap not just in quality, but in presence.
Ben Voll stepped in for the club’s first game back in the second tier, starting the draw against Greuther Fürth. It felt like an interim solution. Now the hierarchy is set to change again. The Bulgarian international Mitov arrives with the clear expectation that he will move ahead of the former Köln keeper in the pecking order.
A three-year contract underlines that intent. As reported by Kicker, the 29-year-old has committed to St. Pauli until 2027, bringing with him a CV built in English and Scottish football. Mitov came through at Cambridge United, then moved north to St. Johnstone FC before Aberdeen made him their starter.
Career Highlights
In Scotland, he did far more than just hold a place. Mitov was Aberdeen’s number one in each of his first two seasons. A serious hamstring injury in his debut campaign sidelined him for months, yet he returned to help drive a remarkable 2024/25 season at Pittodrie.
Aberdeen opened that Premiership campaign with 12 wins and a draw, setting a relentless early pace. The run ended with history: their first Scottish Cup triumph since 1990. On the biggest day of the club’s modern era, Mitov stood tall, saving two penalties in the final against Celtic. By the end of his last season in red, he had racked up 42 appearances across all competitions.
Coaching Remarks
St. Pauli coach Marcel Rapp made it clear why the club pushed to bring him in.
“Dimitar has very good qualities on the line and can solve even difficult situations due to his dynamism and explosiveness,” Rapp said. “At the same time, he actively defends the space and conveys a lot of peace and security. We look forward to working with him and integrating him into our processes.”
It is exactly that blend — aggression off his line, calm in the chaos — that St. Pauli hope will stabilise a key position in a promotion chase.
Mitov, capped 15 times by Bulgaria, sounded eager to throw himself into the challenge of a new country and a new league.
“I am very much looking forward to FC St. Pauli and the new league. The discussions with those responsible convinced me of a cooperation,” he said in his first interview as a St. Pauli player. “I want to quickly integrate with the team, contribute my experience, and be successful together with the entire team to achieve the goals of the club.”
A proven shot-stopper, a three-year deal, a club rebuilding after relegation. The next question is simple: can Dimitar Mitov become the anchor of a St. Pauli side determined to fight its way straight back up?
