Leeds United have now suffered a huge blow to their interest in a transfer for Charles De Ketelaere of AC Milan. The Serie A side have no appetite for him to leave San Siro.
Elland Road chiefs have long admired what De Ketelaere could offer in the Premier League. But AC Milan beat Leeds to the Belgian’s transfer from Club Brugge last August after paying €32m (£27m), plus €3m (£2.5m) in add-ons. The 22-year-old also signed a contract to 2027.
Leeds offered Club Brugge €37m (£31.5m) for De Ketelaere’s transfer, per Calciomercato, in July 2022. But his heart was on moving to Milan, although the attacking midfielder’s debut campaign in Serie A has not been a triumph. He is still yet to score and only has one assist.
Leeds remain interested in the transfer of AC Milan midfielder Charles De Ketelaere
Yet despite De Ketelaere’s troubles, Leeds remain interested in a transfer and hope to strike a deal with AC Milan. TEAMtalk reported earlier this month that the Whites are preparing a move for the midfielder. Burnley boss Vincent Kompany is also keen to sign his compatriot.
De Ketelaere accepts that he cannot afford a second season spent mostly on the sidelines, as well. He fears another difficult campaign could prove costly when new Belgium manager Domenico Tedesco names his squad for Euro 2024. But AC Milan do not want him to leave.
Paolo Maldini continues to voice his support for Charles De Ketelaere at San Siro
That is according to Calciomercato, which now reports that AC Milan are only interested in giving De Ketelaere time despite claims of Leeds’ renewing their pursuit of his transfer. The Rossoneri’s technical director Paolo Maldini remains absolutely convinced by his potential.
Maldini regularly voices his support for De Ketelaere and desire to give him time to the San Siro hierarchy. So, AC Milan intend to wait for the Belgian’s breakthrough in red-and-black. The 12-cap maestro has only started 11 of his 33 goalless appearances in all competitions.
Six of his appearances to date have come in the Champions League to help AC Milan reach the quarter-finals. But De Ketelaere played no part in the first-leg of their final-eight affair with Serie A rivals Napoli on Wednesday. Ismael Bennacer handed the Rossoneri a 1-0 lead.
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