Charles De Ketelaere joins Atalanta permanently for €25m, Milan now focusing on Zirkzee

After a resurgent season at Atalanta, Charles De Ketelaere is set to continue with La Dea, making his loan move from AC Milan permanent. The attacking midfielder’s sale is expected to make way for the signing of Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna for the Rossoneri, as their new number 9.

De Ketelaere struggled to adapt in his first season at Milan, prompting the club to send him out on loan to Atalanta. In 50 appearances across all competitions, the 23-year-old scored 14 goals and provided 11 assists, while also winning the Europa League.

Charles De Ketelaere to join Atalanta permanently from AC Milan

⚫️🔵🇧🇪 Atalanta will complete terms of Charles de Keteleare deal with AC Milan later today.

The Belgian forward will be new Atalanta player on a permanent deal; Milan already considered that money as key to advance on Joshua Zirkzee deal.

AC Milan focus remains on Zirkzee. 🇳🇱 pic.twitter.com/0ORuamnwJ1

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 13, 2024

La Dea will pay €23 million for the player alongside €2 million in add-ons, and will also have a 10% sell-on clause for AC Milan. They paid just €3 million as the loan fee for the Belgian this season, and have made an amazing return on investment with his performances under Gasperini.

With De Ketelaere joining Atalanta, Milan can find the transfer for Zirkzee, with the Dutch striker on top of their shortlist. He has recently been called up to the Euros, after injuries to Frenkie De Jong, Brian Brobbey and Teun Koopmeiners, and has a €55 million release clause in his contract.

With Manchester United also interested in the player, Milan will have to try and cut a favourable deal with Bologna for their star player. And with a major sale already out of the way, they have sufficient time to start negotiating with their fellow Serie A club.