What a difference a season makes. Just a year ago, Edson Castillo was being celebrated as one of Kaizer Chiefs’ standout signings.
Fast forward to now, and the Venezuelan midfielder’s place at Naturena suddenly feels uncertain—with exit talks quietly gathering pace.
From Fan Favourite to Fringe Player
Castillo made an immediate impact when he arrived, scoring five goals in 32 matches during his first season with the Amakhosi.
The fans loved his energy, and it looked like he had cemented his place in the midfield.
But things took a sharp turn in his second season.
A serious injury—a broken fibula—sidelined him for most of the campaign, limiting him to just seven appearances.
Even after returning late in the season, the coaching staff reportedly still harbored doubts about his ability to reclaim a regular starting spot.
Mixed Messages and Contract Confusion
Back in February, Chiefs extended Castillo’s stay with a one-year contract that included an optional extension.
But rather than ending speculation, that move seems to have stirred more uncertainty.
A source close to Castillo shared that the player is now weighing his options.
“Edson is an international player—he needs to be on the pitch,” they said.
“There’s a feeling that the club isn’t sure about his role going forward, so the door is open.”
Nabi’s Arrival Could Reshape the Squad
Newly appointed head coach Nasreddine Nabi is also believed to be open to letting Castillo go.
That might sound surprising at first, but it aligns with the club’s desire to revamp its foreign player quota.
By allowing Castillo to leave, Chiefs could clear the way to bring in new international talent that better fits Nabi’s vision for the 2025/2026 season.
It’s a calculated trade-off—letting go of experience in hopes of building a more dynamic, refreshed squad.
A Tough Call for Amakhosi Management
There’s no denying that Castillo brings valuable experience to the team—not just from his club career but also from representing Venezuela at the international level.
But if his presence limits the club’s flexibility in the transfer market, it puts Chiefs in a tough spot.
Do they hold onto a proven but recovering talent? Or do they make space for a new face who can hit the ground running in a fresh system?
