Persib Bandung has officially parted ways with Spanish forward Sergio Castel following the conclusion of the 2025/26 Super League season. According to Adhitia Putra Herawan, Deputy CEO of PT Persib Bandung Bermartabat, the club and the 31-year-old striker mutually agreed to terminate their contract after a half-season stint that saw the player fail to score in six appearances.
Why Did Persib Bandung Release Sergio Castel?
The decision stems from a lack of on-field productivity during a critical championship run. Despite securing the 2025/26 Super League title via a head-to-head tiebreaker against Borneo FC Samarinda, Persib’s attacking output remained statistically modest. Club officials confirmed that after internal discussions with the coaching staff, both parties determined that continuing the partnership was not in the best interest of the team’s future ambitions.
Persib Bandung clinched the 2025/26 title despite scoring only 59 goals. This tally was lower than the offensive output of league rivals Persebaya Surabaya, Persija Jakarta, Malut United, and Borneo FC.
How Does This Affect Persib’s Transfer Strategy?
Castel’s departure marks the third significant exit for Persib’s foreign contingent this off-season. The club previously confirmed that French left-back Layvin Kurzawa would not receive a contract extension, while Italian defender Federico Barba opted to leave upon the expiration of his deal. According to club statements, these departures open up critical international roster slots. These vacancies are expected to be filled as management looks to address the lack of offensive sharpness that hampered the team throughout the previous campaign.
What Are the Next Steps for the Maung Bandung Squad?
Persib enters the 2026/27 pre-season with a clear mandate to bolster their frontline for both domestic Super League play and upcoming Asian continental competitions. By clearing space in their foreign player quota, the club gains the flexibility to pursue more impactful strikers. The club’s leadership has publicly thanked Castel for his time with the team, signaling a clean slate as they prepare for a more rigorous schedule that demands higher goal-scoring consistency.
Pro Tip for Fans
Keep an eye on the club’s official announcements regarding foreign player signings. With three slots now vacant, the incoming transfers will likely be high-profile additions aimed at increasing the team’s goal differential in the 2026/27 season.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is leaving Persib Bandung? Sergio Castel, Layvin Kurzawa, and Federico Barba have all departed the club following the 2025/26 season.
- Why was Sergio Castel released? The club stated that he failed to make a significant impact after failing to score in six appearances.
- Did Persib win the league this year? Yes, Persib Bandung won the 2025/26 Super League title, finishing with the same points as Borneo FC but winning the tiebreaker on head-to-head records.
- What is the next priority for Persib? The club is focusing on recruiting new attacking talent to improve their goal-scoring efficiency for the next season.
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