Kaizer Chiefs could be set to miss out on an opportunity to cash in on one of their key players.
Chiefs were believed to be ready to listen to offers for midfielder Edson Castillo, provided their price was met.
At the start of the previous season, Chiefs signed Castillo from his native Venezuela. He seemed liked a genius signing, starting life in South Africa brightly. He has tenacious in the tackle, provided energy around the park and he was a threat at set piece time. The box-to-box star was also very good at arriving late in the opposition box and scoring.
Castillo was at valued at R40 million last season
But when former coach Molefi Ntseki was sacked, Castillo fell out of favour with interim coach Cavin Johnson. That then saw him lose his place in the Venezuelan national team but also grow unhappy at Chiefs. This was to the extent that he was believed to have been pushing for a move to North Africa. Zamalek were reportedly quoted R40 million by Amakhosi’s top brass for his services. In the end, their transfer ban proved to be a stumbling block for the deal.
Castillo then stayed put at Chiefs and proved as the season went on. He then suffered an unfortunate serious leg injury. That has since kept him out for a few months. Now according to Soccer-Laduma, his future at the club is now in jeopardy.
Chiefs putting him in limbo
“The club (Chiefs) had initiated the talks for the contract extension before the injury when they saw they needed him (Castillo) and he could play a vital role but with the injury the whole situation has changed. You know for now the club is taking full care of him but the question is after the injury, will he be the same? Such things have happened to Khama Billiat, Keagan Dolly and even now, George Matlou. After recovering from their injuries they have not been the same so the team is just being cautious and careful. But talks will resume when he is fully recovered and the club is convinced he can contribute to the team. For now it’s believed the talks are on hold,” said the source.
A second source said that Chiefs stalling could work in the favour of Castillo.
Should he stay or should he go?
“This could work to the advantage of the player (Castillo) as well. You remember he wanted to leave at one stage? So, if they (Chiefs) delay the negotiations it would give him the chance to be a free agent and leave for a team of his choice. But also, the injury is the stumbling block. So his future will only be decided after he fully recovers,” said the source.
Chiefs fans should Castillo get another contract or is it time to move on?
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