Kaizer Chiefs star Ashley Du Preez’s European dream is put on hold by injury.
Chiefs striker Du Preez had a golden opportunity to move to Portugal, but an untimely injury derailed the transfer. The Cape Town-born forward suffered the setback in January while playing against his former club, Stellenbosch FC.
Vitória SC had expressed serious interest in signing Du Preez, with Chiefs reportedly setting a R40 million price tag on their star attacker. However, club insiders have confirmed that his injury ultimately halted negotiations.
Injury blocks high-profile transfer move
“The injury is what disturbed everything. We were not sure how long it would take to heal, and Vitória SC didn’t want to pay so much money without knowing the recovery timeline,” a source revealed. “Even now, he is still out, and it’s not good for him. But such things are part of football. It’s not the end of it all. He is 27 years old, and anything can still happen. The interest hasn’t died; it was just disturbed.”
Despite the setback, European interest in Du Preez remains alive, although the injury forced clubs to pause their pursuit.
Chiefs already planning for life without Du Preez?
With uncertainty surrounding Du Preez’s future, Chiefs appear to be making contingency plans.
“The priority signing in the next transfer window is focused on the striking department as they prepare for the possibility of not having Du Preez. They are not ruling out the chance of losing him,” the source added.
Du Preez’s performance before injury
Before suffering his injury, Du Preez played in 12 matches this season, contributing two goals. Last season, he was a key presence in the squad, making 23 league appearances and scoring four times. His consistent performances caught the attention of international clubs, positioning him as a sought-after talent. Scouts closely monitored his progress, and discussions about a potential European move gained traction.
However, the injury disrupted those plans, forcing him to pause his ambitions temporarily. As he focuses on rehabilitation and regaining peak form, he remains determined to return stronger. His resilience and skill continue to make him an attractive prospect for overseas clubs, ensuring that his dream of playing in Europe is far from over.
As he works towards full recovery, the big question remains: Will Du Preez get another chance to secure his dream move abroad?
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