Charles De Ketelaere is a name that is synonymous with Leeds United fans. Over the years, players have been strongly linked with a move to Elland Road, but it didn’t go through. Rodrigo De Paul, too.
Our interest came after he starred for Club Brugge, his boyhood club. Playing in a number of positions, De Ketelaere had a hand in 45 goals, during 120 games. That earned the attention of Leeds, and Milan.
Andrea Radrizzani admitted that Leeds were close to striking a £31m deal for the 14-time Belgium star shortly after the 2022 summer window slammed shut. But, understandably, he chose AC Milan instead.
But it didn’t go to plan for De Ketelaere. He played 40 times, failing to score and just one assist. It saw him go on loan to Atalanta, after Leeds had been linked again. Until recently, he was struggling there.
Prior to his last 10 games, he had scored three goals and created two more in 17. Very mediocre. But, he has completely turned it round in the last 10 matches – adding 12 goal involvements, seven of his own.
Charles De Ketelaere back to his best after Leeds bid in 2022
Finally, De Ketelaere is proving – albeit in an Atalanta shirt – why Leeds and Milan were so keen to lure him to one of Europe’s top-five leagues. He will surely be given a chance at Milan come the 24-25 term.
Last time out, De Ketelaere – who does look like a younger Bamford in both frame and appearance – netted a brilliant turn and volley that was good enough to rival Bamford’s effort at Peterborough (below).
So, while it has taken De Ketelaere 18 months to rediscover his Brugge form – he is finally doing it on the big stage at Atalanta. Seven goals, five assist in 10 – and a Bamford-esque volley to boot. Fine form.
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