The Scottish team has the option to make the deal permanent, but the 25-year-old will be joining for the rest of the season.
Jimmy Thelin, the manager of the Dons, who had coached Okkels when they were at Elfsborg in Sweden, said he was excited about the reunion.
“We are happy that Jeppe has chosen to join us at Aberdeen because he is a player with a strong pedigree and someone we know well,” Thelin added.
Thelin highlighted Okkels’ technical ability, eye for goal, and resilience as key assets for the team.
“He is a good finisher, who will bring a goal threat and provide real quality to our midfield options. He has had a frustrating period, however, he is a good character and with the fight and determination he shows we are sure he will be a positive addition to the squad.”
Okkels made a significant impact during his three years under Thelin at Elfsborg, recording 29 goals and 16 assists in 118 appearances.
In the 2023 season, he scored 11 goals in 30 games, earned him a move to Utrecht last January.
However, an injury disrupted his progress in the Netherlands, and he subsequently transferred to Preston North End in the summer.
Game time at Preston proved elusive, with Okkels managing just three starts and 10 total appearances, including a Carabao Cup outing against Arsenal. Now, he is eager to seize this new opportunity with Aberdeen.
Okkels expressed his excitement about the move in an interview with RedTV, saying,
“I’ve been waiting for this opportunity. It’s good to get here to meet the boys, and I’m excited to get going.
It was really important to get this done quickly. I want to come here and help the team, so the sooner I could be here, the better.
” Okkels also had nothing but positive things to say about his current manager, who previously served as his coach, saying, “I know the manager well, what he expects and how he sees football, so I think it will be a good fit. He is calm, hardworking, and focused on the journey, so I have only good things to say
