Charles De Ketelaere has had a solid season at Atalanta, but his club won’t rush the call on his outright acquisition from Milan. It’s not so certain it will happen at the sums the parties negotiated last summer, Calciomercato relayed.
CEO Luca Percassi weighed in on him earlier this week.
“He had an excellent impact since day one, both on the pitch and in terms of attitude. We’re happy with him, but now is not the time to think about the transfer market. We must focus on the matches, and then we’ll have some choices to make.”
De Ketelaere has tallied 10 goals and 7 assists in 34 fixtures with Atalanta, faring way better than at Milan, but he has also had a couple of lengthy slumps. He hasn’t contributed to a goal in the last two months. He hasn’t earned the status of untouchable starter since Gian Piero Gasperini likes to use all his weapons.
La Dea wants to make further evaluations before pulling the trigger on its clause. The attacker has been sluggish in crunch matches, failing to quash the reservations about his character.
Atalanta would have to give Milan €22M to keep De Ketelaere permanently. If he headed back, finding room wouldn’t be easy, especially if Stefano Pioli stayed at the helm. He has been at his best as a second striker with the Nerazzurri, and the coach’s scheme doesn’t have such a role. The Orobici might ultimately ask to revisit the figures.
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