Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United have landed a potential boost in their transfer pursuits of Charles De Ketelaere following Club Brugge’s Champions League elimination.
That’s according to Calciomercato, who report the Blauw-Zwart may now have to demand a lesser fee for the 20-year-old. The Italian publication had previously cited both Spurs and the Irons’ interest in De Ketelaere, who Belgium consider to be their future bright star.
Antonio Conte’s Tottenham are big admirers of De Ketelaere’s potential and will move to sign him in January, per Calciomercato. But a number of rival teams are tracking his rise, as well, with Calciomercato also previously citing West Ham, Everton and Napoli as suitors.
AC Milan also like De Ketelaere, but Club Brugge’s demands for a deal have so far priced the Rossoneri out. Voetbal Krant noted in November they would want €40m (£34m) to sell.
Club Brugge’s position is no longer as strong, though, after Philippe Clement’s side exited all European competitions for the season. The Jan Breydel Stadium outfit ended the group stage of the Champions League bottom of Group A, with just four points from six games.
The Blauw-Zwart are now likely going to have to reconsider their valuation of De Ketelaere ahead of the transfer window. Milan are keeping close tabs on developments at the Belgian side and will look to move for the four-cap international if the fee needed is reasonable.
Will Club Brugge hand Tottenham and West Ham a De Ketelaere transfer boost?
De Ketelaere was one of the real bright sparks of Club Brugge’s ill-fated Champions League campaign that ended on Tuesday. He lit up the pitch against Paris Saint-Germain with his quality and personality, and impressed Pep Guardiola up against his Manchester City side.
Clement is loath to see Club Brugge sell De Ketelaere amid vast transfer interest from West Ham, Tottenham and Milan. But all three will see the Blauw-Zwart lowering their valuation as a sign to swoop when the winter market opens.
De Ketelaere may have failed to score in Europe this season, but the Belgian gem assisted away to RB Leipzig. He also has five goals and five assists in 17 Jupiler Pro League outings, starting all of Club Brugge’s fixtures. He struck two goals in one Beker van Belgie tie, too.
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