Aden McCarthy: Kaizer Chiefs to Lose Bafana Bafana Star As European Club Trigger Buyout Clause

• Kaizer Chiefs might be losing one of their South African internationals to another club in Europe during this transfer window
• The European club have reportedly triggered the Bafana Bafana star's buyout clause, and he's expected to leave when the window opens
• The Premier Soccer League giants have also made arrangements to bring in a Bafana Bafana star as the player's replacement this summer

Kaizer Chiefs are increasingly expected to part ways with South African international Aden McCarthy ahead of the 2026/27 Premier Soccer League season.

The 22-year-old centre-back enjoyed a standout breakthrough campaign with Amakhosi after progressing through the club’s youth ranks. He featured 31 times in all competitions and contributed two goals during the season.

One of those goals came in the Premier Soccer League, where Chiefs secured a third-place finish behind Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns. That result means the Soweto club will once again compete in the CAF Confederation Cup for a second consecutive year alongside domestic commitments.

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McCarthy’s performances have reportedly caught the attention of the Azerbaijani side Sabah FK, who are reinforcing their squad after booking a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League.

Chiefs set to lose McCarthy

According to reports from the national broadcaster, the Bafana Bafana defender’s departure has now moved significantly closer following a decisive step from the interested club.

“Azerbaijani outfit Sabah FK have triggered the buyout clause in Aden McCarthy’s contract at Kaizer Chiefs, taking the defender’s reported move abroad a step closer,” SABC Sport reported.

It added that the move is now effectively on course, pending a medical examination, with personal terms between McCarthy and Sabah already believed to be in place.

While the transfer had been anticipated for some time, activating the release clause has accelerated proceedings, eliminating the need for prolonged negotiations and leaving Chiefs with limited leverage to block the move.

To prepare for his exit, Kaizer Chiefs are reportedly moving quickly in the transfer market, with Stellenbosch defender Thabo Moloisane identified as a potential replacement.

Moloisane set to join Kaizer Chiefs

According to the report, Kaizer Chiefs have already made provision for the departure of McCarthy to Europe, as they are set to sign Moloisane to the club this summer.

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Sundowns in advanced talks to sign Bafana Bafana star from European club

The South African international parted ways with Stellenbosch FC after failing to sign a new contract, and would be joining the Glamour Boys despite being a transfer target for both Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates. The deal is yet to be made official, but reports confirmed that the Bafana Bafana centre-back would be at the Naturena.

Chiefs to battle Pirates for ex-Sundowns midfielder

Briefly News also reported that Kaizer Chiefs have joined the queue of top Premier Soccer League clubs interested in signing a South African midfielder in the summer

The former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder featured in over 20 matches in the Betway Premiership this season and has been rated as one of the best players for his club.

Source: Briefly News