Dimitar Mitov Joins St. Pauli as New Goalkeeper
St. Pauli have moved decisively to solve their goalkeeping question, confirming on Thursday morning the signing of Aberdeen’s number one Dimitar Mitov.
The Bulgarian international arrives from the Scottish Premiership side for a reported €400,000 fee, according to Transfermarkt, and is stepping straight into a position of real responsibility at the Millerntor.
From relegation blow to a new No. 1
Relegation to the 2. Bundesliga was followed by another setback for St. Pauli: long-time first-choice keeper Nikola Vasilj chose not to extend his expiring contract and instead joined Saudi Pro League newcomers Al-Diriyah.
That exit left a clear vacancy. Ben Voll started between the posts as St. Pauli opened their return to the second tier with a draw against Greuther Fürth, but the club always planned to bring in a new leader for the position.
Mitov is expected to take that role. The 29-year-old should immediately move ahead of the former Köln goalkeeper in the internal hierarchy once he settles in Hamburg.
A keeper forged in Scotland and England
Mitov arrives with a solid résumé. The former Cambridge United and St. Johnstone FC goalkeeper has signed a three-year deal with St. Pauli, as reported by Kicker, underlining the club’s long-term faith in him.
At Aberdeen, he established himself as first choice in his opening two seasons. A hamstring injury sidelined him for months in his debut campaign, but once fit, he became a key figure in a remarkable 2024/25 season.
Aberdeen opened that league campaign with 12 wins and a draw, then crowned it with their first Scottish Cup triumph since 1990. Mitov stood at the heart of that story, saving two penalties in the final against Celtic and finishing his last season at Pittodrie with 42 appearances.
Rapp’s trust, Mitov’s promise
St. Pauli head coach Marcel Rapp made it clear why the club pushed for the deal.
“Dimitar (Mitov) has very good qualities on the line and can solve even difficult situations due to his dynamism and explosiveness. 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,” Rapp said.
Mitov, capped 15 times by Bulgaria, sounded equally convinced after his first conversations with the club.
“I am very much looking forward to FC St. Pauli and the new league. The discussions with those responsible convinced me of a cooperation. 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,” he said.
St. Pauli now have their new last line of defence. The question is no longer who will wear the gloves, but whether Mitov can turn stability at the back into the platform for an immediate return to the Bundesliga.
