After a disappointing debut season with Milan, Belgian midfielder Charles De Ketelaere has found his footing at Atalanta, where he spent the 2023-24 campaign on loan. The Bergamo-based club have now reached an agreement with the Rossoneri to make the 22-year-old’s move permanent.
Sky Sport Italia report how De Ketelaere joined Atalanta on a season-long loan with an option to buy last summer, and his impressive performances have convinced the club to exercise that option. Initially, the agreed fee for the permanent transfer was set at €23 million, but Atalanta has managed to negotiate a slightly lower price of €22 million with Milan.
The Rossoneri granted Atalanta a six-day extension beyond the original deadline to finalize the deal, and the two clubs have now found common ground. This agreement ensures that De Ketelaere, who struggled to make an impact at Milan following his high-profile move from Club Brugge, will continue his development under the guidance of Gian Piero Gasperini at Atalanta.
The transfer fee of €22 million, coupled with the €3 million loan fee paid last season and potential add-ons of €2 million, represents a significant investment for Atalanta. However, the club has secured a 10% sell-on clause should De Ketelaere be sold in the future, providing them with a financial safeguard.
With the deal now finalized, De Ketelaere can focus on building upon his impressive campaign at Atalanta, where he rediscovered his form and confidence after a challenging start to his Serie A journey.
