Timothy Castagne may look to force a move away from Fulham in the January transfer window, with Belgian outlet DH suggesting the defender is becoming increasingly concerned about his role under Marco Silva and how it could affect his chances of making Belgium’s squad for the 2026 World Cup. Despite being one of Domenico Tedesco’s most trusted and consistently used internationals, Castagne remains firmly behind Kenny Tete in the Fulham hierarchy — a situation described as a “strange paradox.”
The full-back’s lack of minutes this season has become a growing issue. While Belgium rely on him heavily, Silva continues to favour Tete at right-back, and Castagne has struggled to regain full rhythm after an injury that has disrupted his campaign. The result is a player vital for his country but peripheral for his club — a dynamic that has led to real questions about whether he can afford to stay at Fulham beyond January.
A “Strange Paradox” at Craven Cottage
DH report that Castagne’s situation has left him in a difficult position: trusted internationally, but largely overlooked at club level. That could become a major problem with the World Cup just months away.
For Belgium, Castagne is almost guaranteed to feature. His consistency, tactical understanding and versatility make him one of Tedesco’s most reliable options in wide defensive areas. Yet at Fulham, competition from Tete — who Silva considers the more complete defender in his system — has left Castagne watching from the bench more often than not.
With Tete in strong form, and Castagne still not completely past his injury problems, the path back into the starting XI looks increasingly complicated. Belgium sources fear the “hierarchy” under Silva will not change — which means Castagne risks entering the World Cup with minimal match sharpness.
Juventus Interest Returns to Spotlight
This is not the first time Castagne has been close to leaving Fulham. As reported by Football Place in October, the Belgian was on the verge of joining Juventus late in the summer window. Only Fulham’s inability to secure a replacement prevented the move.
Speaking recently, Castagne confirmed just how hectic deadline day truly was: “There was quite a bit going on on Deadline Day. But it was a bit late for Fulham to find a replacement. That makes it difficult for a transfer to happen.”
Pressed on who pushed hardest, he admitted what many suspected:
“Was there interest from Juventus? Among others, yes. But there was no frustration. If they couldn’t find a replacement, then that’s how it is. If a club had come earlier, it might have been different.”
Fulham were unwilling to sanction his exit at that stage — but January is a very different equation. With the World Cup fast approaching, and Castagne’s starting place under threat through inactivity, the Belgian may be far more insistent this time around.
Juventus have not yet revived their interest publicly, but the expectation in Belgium is that Castagne will explore all options, regardless of whether the Turin club return to the table.
Should Fulham Let Him Go?
This situation is a classic club-versus-country balancing act. From Fulham’s perspective, depth matters — especially at full-back. From Castagne’s perspective, continuity at club level is a luxury he can no longer afford.
While some may argue that his professionalism will keep him patient, it’s worth questioning how long a senior international can accept being second choice, especially when a World Cup looms. Additionally, Silva has shown no inclination to rotate heavily at right-back, meaning Castagne’s route back into the XI depends more on circumstance than merit.
In our view, Fulham risk holding onto an unhappy player who sees his international future jeopardised. January may well be the optimal moment to negotiate a sale — and reinvest in a profile that better fits Silva’s long-term plans.
Key Insights
- Castagne is stuck in a “strange paradox”: vital for Belgium, marginalised at Fulham.
- He may seek a January exit to protect his World Cup chances.
- Juventus attempted to sign him in the summer and could re-emerge.
- Fulham blocked a move due to timing, not reluctance to sell.
- Castagne expects clubs to approach earlier this time.
What’s Next?
Unless Castagne finds consistent minutes before January, the expectation is that he will push for clarity — and potentially a move. Fulham must decide whether to keep him as depth or cash in while avoiding an unhappy player ahead of a crucial international year.
👉 Should Fulham allow Castagne to leave in January, or keep him as crucial depth behind Tete?
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