Charles De Ketelaere has been speaking to Het Laatste Nieuws about his future, with Newcastle said to be interested in signing him.
The Belgian wonderkid discussed what he’d heard about the Magpies, including comments from ex-Sunderland man Simon Mignolet.
What’s the story?
Well, Newcastle fans won’t appreciate what Mignolet said to De Ketelaere.
Speaking to Het Laatste Nieuws, the 21-year-old said: “Mignolet once told me that there’s not much to do in Newcastle, and that in winter, it’s dark as early as four o’clock. When you then hear Dries Mertens… (talk about Napoli).”
As you can see, Mignolet didn’t exactly give a glowing review of Tyneside to the Belgium international.
When you take into account what he said about Dries Mertens and Napoli, it does seem as if De Ketelaere has somewhat been put off a move to Newcastle.
It was Calciomercato who revealed that the Magpies are keen to sign the attacker, who is valued at £33.5m by Club Brugge.
Newcastle can still convince Charles De Ketelaere
In our view, this pursuit isn’t over just yet.
Newcastle are now the richest club on the planet, and while Tyneside may not be the most attractive destination for European prodigies, it would provide an exciting project to get stuck into.
The Magpies can easily afford the £33.5m needed to sign De Ketelaere, and he certainly seems worth the investment.
So far this season, the Brugge-born sensation has scored 17 goals in all competitions, while also providing nine assists.
Impressively, he is also a versatile figure, having played on both flanks as well as at centre-forward.
De Ketelaere is also a full, senior international, so the sky really is the limit for this incredible prodigy.
Keep an eye on this saga, as he could be playing for Newcastle next term.
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