An international midfielder finds himself at a career crossroads at Kaizer Chiefs despite the club's apparent desire to retain his services for another season.
As previously reported by Soccer Laduma, Amakhosi had apparently exercised the one-year option on one of their midfielders, Edson Castillo's contract which was previously coming to an end on June 30.
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A Naturena insider with oversight of player contracts has indicated that Castillo is believed to have requested for the club to release him so he can find a team where he can play more regularly.
There have been reports in the past of how Castillo was linked with a move away from Chiefs, to the likes of Zamalek in Egypt. Back then it was also reported that a move from Amakhosi would benefit his international career.
The difference this time is that Amakhosi have exercised the option on his contract. In the previous months there was the possibility that he'd be allowed to leave anyway, but the decision is now in Chiefs' court.
"For now he is expected to join the rest of the team when they return on 20 June. You know his contract only expires next year in June. The initial one was supposed to end on June 30 this year but apparently the club exercised the one-year option. But now it's believed that Edson (Castillo) may want out. The player apparently believes that he is not given the chance to play enough and he wants to move to a club where he can play more," the insider told the Siya crew.
The problem Castillo faced was that he was out injured last season and when he returned it took time to consistently move ahead of the established central midfielders in the team.
Meanwhile, a second insider very close to the club stated that the pressure to play for the national team is what is leading to Castillo looking at other options.
"He had once lost his place in the Venezuela national team and since he is not playing regularly at Chiefs then there is the possibility that he could lose his place in the national team again. That's why it is understood if he wants to move on, he is believed to have asked club management about his situation," the second source revealed.
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Though, it remains to be seen if that could change since Castillo did represent Venezuela in FIFA World Cup qualifiers last week, getting on the field in the match against Paraguay on June 11.
Since joining Amakhosi two seasons ago, he has featured in many Betway Premiership games and scored a few goals in the process. After a brilliant start under previous coach Molefi Ntseki almost two years ago, much more was expected of Castillo and Chiefs have not seen the best of the player since then.
Soccer Laduma contacted Chiefs for official comment on the issue but there was no response at the time of publishing.
Castillo's situation presents an interesting dilemma for Chiefs as they prepare for the upcoming season. While the club clearly valued him enough to exercise their option year, the midfielder's international ambitions are a real challenge at the age of 31. Castillo is likely concerned about maximising his remaining years at international level. It remains to be seen if Castillo would remain at Chiefs, fight for his position and establish himself as a consistent starter next season.
