Despite a lackluster season for both Kaizer Chiefs and Ashley Du Preez individually, the 26-year-old forward is attracting significant interest from European clubs.
Multiple teams, particularly in Portugal, have reportedly expressed interest in acquiring the South African international.
Du Preez managed only six goals in 27 appearances for the Soweto giants this past season, contributing to Kaizer Chiefs’ disappointing 10th-place finish in the DStv Premiership.
However, scouts and analysts believe that the striker’s raw talent and potential could flourish in a different environment.
Sources close to the player suggest that the undisclosed Portuguese clubs are willing to pay a substantial fee to secure Du Preez’s services.
This move could be a lifeline for the player, who has struggled to replicate his earlier form since joining Chiefs from Stellenbosch in 2022.
The potential transfer comes at a time of significant change for Kaizer Chiefs.
The club is on the verge of appointing a new head coach, tasked with revitalizing the team’s fortunes and restoring their status as a South African powerhouse.
Should Du Preez move to Europe, it would be a significant step in his career and a testament to his underlying potential, despite a recent dip in form.
It would also signal a shift in the European scouting landscape, with clubs increasingly willing to gamble on talent from underperforming teams in emerging leagues.
For now, Kaizer Chiefs fans are left to speculate on whether their struggling star will remain at the club or embark on a new chapter in his career.
The coming weeks are expected to be decisive, with negotiations between clubs and the player’s representatives likely to intensify.