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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Robbie Hanratty

Duk explains ‘argument’ with Aberdeen and his AWOL absence

Luis 'Duk' Lopes made an immediate impact upon joining Aberdeen in July 2022 under Jim Goodwin, quickly becoming a fan favourite.

In his debut season, he netted 16 goals in 37 league appearances, showcasing his prowess on the field by terrorising rival Scottish Premiership defences.

However, the following seasons saw a decline in his performance, with Duk scoring only four times in 34 league matches during the 2023-24 campaign. The situation worsened in the summer of 2024 when he failed to report for pre-season training, leading the club to initiate disciplinary action.

After a period of absence, Duk returned to Aberdeen in September 2024, expressing deep regret for his actions and apologising to the club, teammates, and supporters. Despite efforts to reintegrate him into Jimmy Thelin's first-team squad, he struggled to regain his previous form.


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In February 2025, Duk secured a permanent transfer to Spanish side Leganes, concluding his tenure with Aberdeen. And he was asked about the situation that saw him go AWOL last summer.

"I prefer not to speak about that,” the Cape Verde forward said.

“I wouldn't say it was a bad moment but me, my agent and Aberdeen had a little bit of an argument."

(Image: Leganes) Speaking at his Leganes unveiling alongside former Rangers defender Borna Barisic, the 24-year-old said: "I want to thank Leganés for giving me this opportunity. I am here to fulfil its objectives and help the club in whatever way is needed.

"Duk is my father's nickname and now it is also mine.

"I understand Spanish well and I speak it a little. [Borna] Barišić is a great player, I'm very happy to be able to play with him. He's not only a good defender, but he also contributes in attack.

"Haller is a great player, but I'm not here to replace him, we're different players, I'm here to help the team in any of the positions I play.

"When a club like Leganés that plays in La Liga asks about you, it's very easy to say yes, they've shown interest in me for a long time."

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