Atalanta are set to sign Charles De Ketelaere on a loan deal from AC Milan with the option to buy. The Belgian midfielder has had an underwhelming first season with the Rossoneri, where he played 32 Serie A games, but only provided one assist with no goals in 1,100 minutes.
Owing to the mass influx of players this season, with the likes of Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, Ruben Loftus Cheek and Tijjani Reijnders capable of playing in a similar position, De Ketelaere will be moved on to La Dea who have earned a reputation for playing very free flowing, attacking football.
Charles De Ketelaere to sign for Atalanta on loan with buy option
The Belgian joined Milan only a year ago from Club Brugge for €35 million. He has a contract until 2027 with the Rossoneri and will spend the 23/24 season with Atalanta to try and get his career back on track.
Atalanta will be paying a loan fee worth €3 million for the Belgian, with a buy option included worth €27 million, including €4 million in add-ons. Milan have also agreed a 10% sell-on clause in the player’s contract, which means they will be entitled to a percentage of any future fee that Atalanta receive for him.
La Dea have been making some impressive signings, having recruited Gianluca Scamacca from West Ham United. They sold Rasmus Hojlund to Manchester United for €70 million, and have already acquired his replacement.
Charles De Ketelaere will be able to play a similar role, or he could also be used behind the striker as a playmaker.
