‘La Dea’ will keep the Belgian attacking midfielder for 22 million: he exploded in Bergamo, but had a disastrous year in red and black. For some, it was expected, while for others…
Charles De Ketelaere seems destined to forever divide the Milanese world. It happened last season when he delivered some ‘weak’ performances one after another, causing a split among Milan fans: he’s young, comes from a second-tier league, we should wait for him to get rid of him. The fans were saying, he lacks the mental strength and personality for a stage like San Siro and a jersey as weighty as this one; it’s too easy to shine in Bruges.
However, with Atalanta CDK is proving himself just 50 kilometers from the city of Milan, in a team chasing a Champions League spot, just like the Rossoneri. So, reflections abound in the Milan universe, regrets inevitably grow, and at the same time, some remain true to themselves, insisting that if he had stayed at Milanello, he wouldn’t have flourished.
THE FUTURE
At the end of the season, his path will once again cross that of the ‘Rossoneri’, with a buy-back clause that Atalanta must decide whether to exercise or not. So, the blonde from Bruges remains a current topic on the Rossoneri side.
Charles would have been relevant if he had performed poorly in Bergamo because, in June, he would have returned straight to Milanello. And it is absolutely relevant now that there are practically no doubts about Atalanta’s choice to redeem him. In reality, the sumptuous performance against Lazio was not necessary to convince Percassi and Pagliuca, but it certainly didn’t hurt. CDK almost dismantled Lazio on his own, considering his two personal goals and involvement in Pasalic’s goal. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, De Ketelaere will surely remain with Atalanta as the Bergamaschi have the right to buy him for around €25M.
The numbers would be impressive regardless, especially considering the struggles of his time with the Rossoneri: with yesterday’s game, he reached 9 goals (5 in Serie A, 2 in Europa League, 2 in Coppa Italia) and 7 assists. He secured his first Serie A brace. Since early December, he has scored 7 goals and provided 5 assists in official matches, more than any other player in Serie A during this period, across all competitions.
