De Ketelaere’s fate confirmed – how he will boost Milan’s summer budget

Charles De Ketelaere is expected to remain at Atalanta on a permanent basis this summer following a successful loan spell in Bergamo.

As reported by Milan News, it now appears to be an inevitability that Milan will lose De Ketelaere in the summer as Atalanta should exercise the option they have to make the loan deal permanent.

Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi explained before a Coppa Italia match against Fiorentina 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 failed to score at all during the 2022/23 season with Milan after he had signed for €36.5m, but this season across Serie A, the Coppa Italia and the Europa League, he has scored 11 goals and provided eight assists.

Atalanta are still fighting in all three competitions too, so more goals will presumably come.

It seems that the Belgian youngster has found a home and that means Milan will get €23m, and potentially another €2m in add-ons, which can be used to sign players in other positions during the summer. There is also a 10% resale clause.