Jimmy Thelin optimistic about retaining Bojan Miovski and Duk as Aberdeen prep for new season

Bojan Miovski (left) and Duk celebrate after the opening goal of the Scottish Cup semi-final clash with Celtic
-Credit: (Image: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire)


New Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin is feeling positive about the chances of keeping key players Bojan Miovski and Duk at Pittodrie for the upcoming season.

Miovski, who has caught the attention of several teams including Serie A's Bologna after scoring 26 goals in 53 appearances last term, had a standout season despite Aberdeen's struggles.

His strike partner Duk, however, had a less prolific time but hinted at a desire to leave Aberdeen in a recent interview in Portugal.

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The Cape Verde striker has been previously linked with Young Boys in Switzerland and Italy's Torino, reports the Daily Record.

Thelin, who hails from Sweden, led his first training session in Aberdeen on Monday, although Miovski was absent due to additional leave after playing for North Macedonia internationally earlier in the month.

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The 25-year-old forward is set to rejoin the team during their pre-season camp in Portugal in early July.

In his inaugural press conference at Pittodrie since taking over as the boss, Thelin expressed hopefulness about retaining the attacking duo but acknowledged the unpredictable nature of the transfer market.

He commented: "I am used to transfer windows. As long as it is open, it is what it is. That is football.

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"Some players have been away with their national teams and will report back to us in the training camp in Portugal and he is one of those players. For now he is an Aberdeen player and that is what we will focus on, but the window is the window.

"The process takes time and we will adapt from the result. In this business, they are going to be here or they are not. For me, I like to be optimistic in the players we have. They are still here so I believe in them."