Charles De Ketelaere is a name that is familiar to Leeds United fans. Over the years, players have been closely connected with a move to Elland Road, but it did not materialize. Rodrigo De Paul, too.
We became interested after he played for Club Brugge, his childhood club. De Ketelaere played in a variety of positions and contributed 45 goals over the course of 120 games. Leeds and Milan took note of this.
Andrea Radrizzani confessed that Leeds were close to signing the 14-time Belgian star at £31 million shortly after the 2022 summer transfer window closed. However, understandably, he selected AC Milan instead.
But things didn’t go as planned for De Ketelaere. He appeared 40 times, scoring no goals and providing only one assist. After being linked again with Leeds, he was loaned out to Atalanta. Until recently, he struggled there.
Prior to his last ten games, he had three goals and two assists in 17. Very mediocre. However, he has entirely turned things around in the following ten games, assisting on 12 goals and scoring seven himself.
Charles De Ketelaere returns to his best after Leeds’ bid in 2022.
Finally, De Ketelaere is demonstrating, although in an Atalanta shirt, why Leeds and Milan were so eager to sign him to one of Europe’s top five leagues. He will undoubtedly be given a shot at Milan during the 24-25 season.
Last time out, De Ketelaere – who resembles a younger Bamford in both frame and appearance – scored a superb turn and volley that matched Bamford’s performance at Peterborough (below).
So, while it took De Ketelaere 18 months to regain his Brugge form, he is finally doing so on the big stage at Atalanta. Seven goals and five assists in ten games, including a Bamford-esque volley. Fine form.
