Leeds United wanted Charles De Ketelaere over the summer and the Belgian star appears to be struggling with AC Milan.
It was pretty clear that Leeds needed to add another striker over the summer.
Patrick Bamford’s injury-hit season should have been proof that a centre forward was desperately needed at Elland Road.
The summer transfer window ended without a new striker being signed though and Leeds are paying the price.
Leeds have now managed just three goals in their last five Premier League games and that lack of a new striker looks costly.
Leeds United wanted Charles De Ketelaere
The Whites did look into a striker signing but were left frustrated.
Arnaud Kalimuendo ended up joining Rennes instead whilst Charles De Ketelaere slipped through the net.
Leeds wanted to sign De Ketelaere from Club Brugge and left an offer of around €35million (£30million) on the table for weeks, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Romano did though note that De Ketelaere was giving preference to AC Milan and the Serie A champions ended up winning the race.
The 21-year-old was unbelievable last season, racking up 18 goals and 10 assists in a superb Club Brugge campaign.
At home up front, as a number 10, midfielder winger, you name it – De Ketelaere looked like a versatile attacking threat.
De Ketelaere has endured a slow start to life in Italy though.
De Ketelaere has only started five league games and made an additional five substitute appearances, with his total minutes for the season standing at 497.
Milan hammered Monza 4-1 on Saturday evening and De Ketelaere was brought on for 37 minutes.
Yet the Italian media weren’t impressed at all as Tuttomercatoweb rated De Ketelaere at just 5/10 for his display against Monza.
“No, he does not enter well. It is the discordant note of the evening, because he misses an easy goal and always appears shy, under pressure, almost as if he were afraid,” they stated.
It’s quite the claim to suggest that De Ketelaere looks afraid at Milan but it has happened to players before.
Making a big move to a giant European club brings more pressure and expectation, which De Ketelaere must now adjust to at the San Siro.
We’re still backing De Ketelaere to become a star but if his struggles continue, maybe Leeds should ask about a cheeky January loan move.
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