Esperance Sportive de Tunis are close to completing a deal for Peruvian international Jesus Castillo, with the midfielder expected to arrive in Tunisia soon to complete negotiations and undergo a medical examination before the move is officially announced.
The 25-year-old is being considered as a replacement for Nigerian midfielder Onuochi Ogbelo, with Esperance looking to strengthen their midfield options ahead of the new season.
Castillo has attracted attention because of his international experience, physical qualities and ability to provide defensive stability in the centre of the pitch.
Here are five key facts about the player expected to join the Tunisian giants.
1. A defensive midfielder with versatility
Jesus Abdullah Castillo Molina was born on 11 June 2001 in Peru.
Standing at 1.85 metres tall, the right-footed midfielder primarily operates as a defensive midfielder but is also capable of playing in a more advanced central midfield role.
His physical presence and tactical awareness have helped him become an important figure for both club and country.
2. Experience in Peru and Portugal
Castillo developed through the academy of Sporting Cristal, one of Peru’s leading clubs, before progressing into the first team.
He quickly established himself as one of the most promising midfield talents in Peruvian football.
In the summer of 2023, he made the move to Europe by joining Portuguese club Gil Vicente, gaining his first experience outside South America.
After that spell, Castillo returned to Peru in 2025, joining Universitario de Deportes, where he remains under contract until December 2028.
According to data from Transfermarkt, Castillo has made 180 official appearances across the clubs he has represented.
During those matches, he has scored three goals and provided five assists, while accumulating more than 13,000 minutes of playing time.
Those figures underline his consistency and the trust placed in him by his coaches.
His current market value is estimated at €1.2m, the highest figure of his professional career so far.
3. Impressive display against Lionel Messi’s Argentina
One of Castillo’s most notable international performances came during Peru’s 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign against Argentina, a match that featured Lionel Messi.
Although Peru lost 1-0, Castillo completed the full 90 minutes and produced a strong defensive performance against one of the world’s most talented teams.
During the match, he recorded an 85% passing accuracy, made two tackles, won five ground duels and recovered possession six times.
He also avoided receiving a yellow card and earned a rating of 7.2 out of 10 for his contribution.
The performance demonstrated his ability to compete against elite opposition and operate effectively at international level.
4. A regular figure for Peru
Castillo has been part of the Peru national team setup since 2022.
He has made 17 international appearances, scoring one goal, while featuring in World Cup qualifiers and friendly matches.
His performances have established him as one of the midfielders trusted by the national team.
The Peruvian is known for his physical strength, ability to recover possession and break up opposition attacks.
He also possesses strong tactical discipline, intelligent positioning and composure when starting attacks from deep areas.
Those characteristics have made him a valuable option in midfield.
5. Why Esperance want him
Esperance are searching for a midfielder capable of replacing the qualities lost following Ogbelo’s departure.
Castillo fits the profile the club is looking for, particularly because of his defensive strengths and international background.
His ability to win tackles, disrupt attacks and maintain tactical discipline could provide greater balance in midfield as Esperance prepare for challenges in both domestic competitions and the CAF Champions League.
The Tunisian club also view his age and transfer value as important advantages.
At 25 years old, Castillo still has room for development, while his €1.2m market value makes him a potentially valuable long-term investment.
If Esperance complete the transfer, Castillo would arrive as a player expected to bring experience, defensive quality and international pedigree to their midfield.
The final stages of negotiations and his medical examination will determine whether the Peruvian becomes the latest addition to the Tunisian club’s squad ahead of the new season.
