Duk is unlikely to sign a new contract at Aberdeen but Jimmy Thelin has insisted he will remain a big part of his plans as long as he remains at Pittodrie.
The striker is out-of-contract in the summer and is not expected to sign an extension. The Cape Verde international controversially went AWOL in the summer to try to force a move but has since returned, made peace and has gone on to make a major impact under the new Dons boss.
Thelin said: “I don’t want to speculate on how long the player is going to stay, I know the business. There’s always things happening in this business but I’m happy as long as he shows his energy and his fighting spirit for Aberdeen and his team.
“He’s bringing a lot of energy to the team and also quality as a football player. So that’s my focus, I don’t think about what can happen in the future.”
Duk’s return has been timely for Aberdeen, as he has come back in at a time when top scorer Pape Habib Gueye is scheduled to be out until the new year. It is a difficult one for Thelin and director of football Steven Gunn heading towards the January window.
Former club Benfica is due a 50 per cent cut of any fee, as part of the agreement when they let the 24-year-old move to Scotland in 2022. It would still need to be a decent fee for Aberdeen to even consider selling because otherwise Duk would be seen as a major asset that would enhance their chances of continuing to push at the top end of the table.
Duk apologised to Thelin, his teammates and the Red Army before he returned. The Aberdeen manager has admitted that since he has come back into the fold he has been a model professional, who is continuing to grow as a player.
Thelin admitted: “I think for me, Duk is a top football player. “He has worked hard since he has come back in, on the training pitch and in the games. He has given all he can every day and done his best for the team. He has been a good teammate and an important member of the Aberdeen squad.
“That is all you can ask as a manager. He is part of an environment at the club where we feel he is still growing.”
Aberdeen also have Jamie McGrath, Jack MacKenzie and Ante Palaversa, who are all out of contract in the summer. The Dons have the option to take up a further two years on the Croatian midfielder’s deal, which they are likely to take up.
Trying to keep McGrath and MacKenzie will be more of a challenge. Talks have been on-going with the pair but as of yet no agreements have been reached. MacKenzie, who was called into the Scotland squad last month, recently admitted he had put talks on his future to the side to concentrate on his football. He admitted it is something he will need to look at over the coming weeks.
Republic of Ireland international McGrath has also been one of Aberdeen’s top players. This could be his big chance to net a big contract. McGrath did have a spell at Wigan Athletic but the majority of his career was at Dundalk and St Mirren.
Nicky Devlin was also out of contract at the end of the season but signed an extension last month. Aberdeen also have Scotland international Kevin Nisbet on-loan from Millwall.
He is expected to return to the Lions in the summer unless Aberdeen were able to agree a fee and personal terms with the striker. There is no option to buy in his current deal.