Recent reports from Leicestershire Live (via RTL Sports journalist Alexandre Breackman) state that Leicester City are keen on signing Club Brugge attacker Charles De Ketelaere in the ongoing transfer window as Brendan Rodgers looks set to add to his offensive options ahead of the 2022/23 season.
However, Serie A champions AC Milan are have also set their sights on the Belgian talent as he would be an impressive addition to Stefano Pioli’s squad.
“We are heading towards an intense duel between Leicester and AC Milan for Charles De Ketelaere.
“The situation has not changed in Bruges: price of 40M €. Redeemed, Milan can now line up. Leicester have not given any news in recent days.” – Breackman tweeted.
With two years remaining on De Ketelaere’s current contract at the Jan Breydel Stadium, he has shown no interest in penning down a contract extension. So, a price tag of €40 million has been slapped on the youngster. The 21-year-old wishes to participate in Champions League football next season; hence, the Foxes might not be in the pole position for his signature after the Rossoneri’s interest.
Having come through the ranks at Club Brugge itself, Charles De Ketelaere made his debut for the club in September 2019. Eventually, he broke into the first team, coming on as a substitute in the not-so-important matches. In the 2019/20 season, he scored four goals in 38 games across all competitions.
However, in the 2021/22 season, he established himself as one of the hottest prospects in Belgian football. The Bruges-born forward scored fourteen goals and assisted seven more in 33 appearances in the Jupiler Pro League last season. Besides, he managed to put up some awe-inspiring numbers on the board – averaging 1.2 tackles, 2.2 shots, 1.9 key passes, 1.4 dribbles, and one long ball per ninety minutes in the Belgian top-flight. Capable of playing as an attacking midfielder, a centre-forward and a right-winger, versatility is one of his prime strengths.
Good Option For Rodgers?
Having failed to secure European football last season, there’s no doubt that Rodgers will have to add more firepower to his squad to freshen things up – and De Ketelaere fits the bill perfectly. Aged 21, the Belgian midfielder shows an exceptional tactical maturity far beyond his years. He’s calm in possession – always trying to outsmart the opponents using precision passing and accuracy rather than flair and skill. Although the youngster has a habit of losing the ball while playing in the number 10 role, his ability to serve a variety of passes from long range makes up for it.
The Foxes should try their best to get this deal over the line in the coming days.
(Stats from WhoScored)
