The Kaizer Chiefs Naturena Village in all its glory. Image: Ernest Makhaya
Kaizer Chiefs reluctant to sell superstar, but everyone’s got a price …
Everyone has a price.
The Kaizer Chiefs Naturena Village in all its glory. Image: Ernest Makhaya
Kaizer Chiefs are reluctant to let go of Edson Castillo but if they do, they’ll be sure to maximise any transfer fee they get for the Venezuelan.
KAIZER CHIEFS WANT BIG MONEY FOR CASTILLO
According to local outlet Soccer Laduma, Chiefs were open to an offer from Egyptian giants Zamalek, provided they met Amakhosi’s evaluation of the player. That number stood at R40 million, a shade under €2 million in today’s exchange rate.
“Now that the inquiry has reached the management stage, they have come up with the price that will fit Castillo if he is to leave before his contract expires. He is a quality player and for him to attract interest from outside means they have seen something and that’s why the board and management think the right price is around R40 million,” the publication said.
VENEZUELA MAN HAS INTERNATIONAL PEDIGREE
Venezuela played two friendlies in the USA in the most recent international break. La Vinotinto is now ranked 52nd in the world according to FIFA, down from 50th. Amakhosi’s creative midfield schemer was a 78th-minute substitute against European champions Italy, in a match the Azzurri won 2-1. Arsenal midfielder Jorginho came off the bench to supply the winning goal for Genoa striker Mateo Retegui. Venezuela then faced Guatemala in a 0-0 stalemate. Castillo has certainly brushed shoulders with some serious players lately. This could strengthen Chiefs’ hand in any negotiations.
Is the squad too old?
The Kaizer Chiefs midfield needs an injection of freshness. Sibongiseni Mthethwa turns 30 in September, Yusuf Maart turns 29 this year, Siyethemba Sithebe is 31 and Castillo will be 30 next month. Perhaps a huge offer for Castillo would be too good to refuse and could be reinvested in some fresh recruits. Whether or not Zamalek cough up the cash is another matter.
Magoola is the cheaper option between the sticks
Chiefs were interested in signing Nigeria and Chippa goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali. However, the 27-year-old, who was a standout performer at Afcon with the Super Eagles, would fetch a transfer fee of over R35 Million. According to iDiski Times, Amakhosi are looking at the potential free transfer of Richards Bay keeper Salim Magoola. The Natal Rich Boys are struggling to fend off relegation this season. Magoola has kept only four clean sheets in 19 league appearances this term.
Amakhosi fans, would you sanction Castillo’s sale if Zamalek came up with the number quoted to them?
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