Milan handed Premier League outfit Leeds United a major transfer blow with the onboarding of Charles De Ketelaere from Club Brugge. The Rossoneri confirmed the Belgian’s transfer with an official statement, as he joined on a five-year deal that involves a €32M transfer fee excluding add-ons.
Leeds, led by American manager Jesse Marsch, had submitted a €40M bid. But the Club Brugge youth product had only one club in mind, as relayed by Belgian agents Tom De Mul and Yama Sharifi, who were involved in the negotiation processes (via MilanNews).
“Leeds’ interest was very concrete. Charles also noticed it. They absolutely wanted him, he would have played every week there. March is a first-class manager. At one point Charles said he would like to hear from another club. He wanted to make a comparison to understand what would be the right step for him.”
At that point, Milan were contacted immediately once the offer from the Whites arrived.
“We phoned Milan: ‘If you really want it, you have to insist now. And push well, not halfway.’ Maldini was still busy with his contract, but then he called him. Charles had a good conversation with Stefano Pioli too and was completely convinced.”
Despite the big difference, at least initially, in the proposed bids, De Ketelaere didn’t think twice before deciding which club, was the best for career progression.
“The issue was that Leeds offered €40M and the Rossoneri had a limit. Club Brugge would not have sold him for 20M, so Milan had to make an effort.”
After weeks of intense talks, the Italian champions agreed to meet Club Brugge’s demands, offering €32M plus €3M in bonuses to seal the deal. He will wear the number 90 jersey, the same number he wore at his boyhood club.
A new city, a new country, a new adventure ?⚫
Backstage with Charles De Ketelaere ?#ReadyToLeaveAMark #SempreMilan pic.twitter.com/vk5aWJ2Kqc— AC Milan (@acmilan) August 3, 2022
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