Juan Castillo’s first words as he seals switch from Chelsea to Charlton Athletic | OneFootball

Juan Castillo has completed his move from Chelsea to Charlton Athletic on loan for the rest of the season this morning.

The 22-year-old follows in the footsteps of left-backs Jay DaSilva and Ian Maatsen, who enjoyed loan spells at The Valley before kicking on at Championship clubs, and the move presents an opportunity for Castillo to put a frustrating stint at Birmingham City, in the first half of the season, behind him.

Castillo explained what attracted him to Charlton when he spoke to the club’s website this morning.

He said: “Once I heard that Charlton were interested, I looked at games on YouTube and the first thing that stood out was the fans and the atmosphere.

“I’m a creative player, I like to get up and down the left side and I bring energy. I hope that I can develop here and have a successful time. I can’t wait to get started and show what I can do.”

Ben Purrington is the current first choice left back or left wing back under Johnnie Jackson, but with his contract expiring at the end of the campaign, there could be a pathway for Castillo if he can impress in the coming months.

Castillo’s deal at Stamford Bridge comes to an end at the end of next season, and at 22 he will be starting to consider his next permanent move.

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Pape Souare has struggled to cut the mustard in SE7 since signing as a free agent this summer.

The chances are that Castillo will slot in above him in the depth chart and have the task of displacing Purrington, who was dropped to the bench in the Addicks’ last match.

Castillo will be on familiar terms with Charlton’s other January addition in Chuks Aneke, who came in from Birmingham City last week and netted a last gasp equaliser on his second debut for the club at Cheltenham Town last weekend.

The Addicks now have one remaining domestic loan slot with Elliot Lee, Akin Famewo and Jonathan Leko already at the club on loan until the conclusion of the campaign.