Though there’s still plenty of time left before the summer transfer window reopens for business, Milan are already laying the foundation for a busy recruitment campaign. According to Calciomercato, the freshly-crowned Serie A champions could add some Benelux flavour to their squad in the coming months.
High-performing Club Brugge duo Noa Lang and Charles De Ketelaere have ended up on the Italians’ radar. Both players ran the show as Brugge came from behind to win their 18th title in the Belgium First Division in 2021/22.
Lang tallied seven goals and 12 assists from 31 league appearances, while 31 outings were enough for De Ketelaere to rack up 14 goals and seven lay-offs. Brugge’s dynamic duo has drawn plenty of attention from Europe’s top-five leagues.
While Arsenal and Leeds United follow Lang with close attention, De Ketelaere has picked up interest from Leicester City. However, Milan will fancy their chances against the Premier League heavyweights.
It’s hard to expect Milan to sign both players, but one could end up wearing the famous red-black jersey next term. De Ketelaere looks like a more sustainable option based on his characteristics.
Milan are in the market for a right-winger to challenge Alexis Saelemaekrs for a place in Stefano Pioli’s starting line-up. Though Junior Messias had a stellar maiden season at San Siro, it felt like the Rossoneri over-relied on Rafael Leao.
Leao alone was enough to lead Milan to their 19th Scudetto with some jaw-dropping performances down the final stretch. However, Pioli wants his side to be competitive in the Champions League next term, which requires investments.
Widely considered one of Europe’s finest talents, De Ketelaere could be a massive coup for Milan. The 21-year-old boasts impressive technical qualities and creativity. His clever runs between the lines, coupled with ‘killer passes’ behind for the strikers, has made him one of a kind in Belgium.
If Milan can sign him and help him master his skills and potential, their attacking line-up may be settled for years to come.