Atalanta CEO drops hint over De Ketelaere’s future: 'He is very comfortable'

Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi has suggested that Charles De Ketelaere should stay at the club beyond his loan spell this season which would mean a transfer fee for AC Milan.

Speaking to Mediaset (via Milan News) ahead of Atalanta’s Coppa Italia semi-final second-leg against Fiorentina, Percassi was asked what his advice to De Ketelaere would be given the promising season he has enjoyed in Bergamo.

Percassi explained that he thinks the Belgian should try and secure a future at the place he feels comfortable.

“I would suggest that he confirm his home in Bergamo, because it is a beautiful city where he is very comfortable,” Percassi said.

De Ketelaere joined Atalanta on loan from Milan in the summer of 2023 for a €3m fee, and there is an option for La Dea to sign him permanently for around €23m. The player appears keen to stay at Atalanta.

Considering his tough first season in Italy with Milan after joining from Club Brugge, his figures for Atalanta have been a pleasant surprise.

Across Serie A, the Coppa Italia and the Europa League, he has scored 11 goals and provided eight assists. The team are still fighting in all three competitions too, so more goals will presumably come.

Milan spent €36.5m on De Ketelaere to bring him over from Belgium after a long transfer saga so it will still be a failed move, but they could get most of that fee back.