Exeter City sign Finland international wing-back

Ilmari Niskanen joins from Dundee

Exeter City have announced the signing of Finland international wing-back Ilmari Niskanen from Dundee United.

Ilmari joins on a two-year deal for an undisclosed fee, subject to international clearance.

The 25-year-old began his career in his native Finland with KuPs and in a seven-year spell scored 13 goals in just under 150 appearances. During that seven years, he spent four separate loan spells at two clubs - PK-37 and KuFu-98, before he joined German 3. Bundesliga side FC Ingolstadt in 2020 on a one-year deal, gaining promotion to the second tier.

In August 2021, Niskanen moved abroad for the first time, signing for Dundee United. He leaves the Tangerines with 61 appearances in all competitions, scoring twice.

Niskanen has played international football for his nation at under-17, under-19 and under-21 level before making his senior debut in 2020 against Wales in the UEFA Nations League. In only his second appearance for the 'Huuhkajat', he scored his first international goal, against Poland in Gdansk.

Manager Gary Caldwell said: "Ilmari is someone I identified from my time at Hibs, as we played against him a couple of times. He is really experienced, internationally as well which is really good, and he fits that profile of what we are looking for.

"He is versatile and prominently a right-wing-back, but has also played a lot on the left so he is a big addition to the squad, creating real competition in that area of the pitch.

"He is young but experienced a lot, and having spoken to him he is very keen in learning and developing. He has never played in English football before and wants to come here to develop as a footballer.

"He will add real energy to this side."

Ilmari will be available to play once he has received EFL and international clearance.