Leeds United have reportedly told AC Milan to keep them informed of any development related to the future of Charles De Ketelaere.
The Whites were interested in signing the Belgium international in the summer and pushed hard to get a deal over the line. Indeed, they offered what would have been a club-record offer to sign the talented attacker from Club Brugge. However, the player was always keen on signing for AC Milan, and the Serie A champions managed to bag his signature.
According to TEAMtalk, Leeds United are ready to revive their interest in Charles De Ketelaere, with manager Jesse Marsch and director of football Victor Orta still big admirers of the attacker. If AC Milan give any signal that the player could be allowed to leave in January—even if just on a loan deal—then Leeds would be interested, the report adds.
De Ketelaere, 21, has endured a tough start to life in Serie A following his move from Club Brugge, managing just one assist in 18 appearances across all competitions for AC Milan. Yet, he has been called to the Belgium national team at the ongoing World Cup in Qatar.
Charles De Ketelaere to Leeds United—A decent option?
Leeds United have had a disappointing season so far and they are just two points adrift of the relegation zone. Jesse Marsch needs to improve his squad in January in order to avoid the drop and finish the season strongly.
The Peacocks do have some quality players in the squad but they must add a few more after seeing Jesse Marsch’s side struggle to compete with most of the teams in the division. A creative playmaker has to be at the top of Marsch’s targets in January, with Leeds struggling to create chances and carve open teams consistently.
Charles De Ketelaere, in that regard, could be a good fit at Elland Road. De Ketelaere may have struggled to show his best form at AC Milan in Italy, but he has undeniable quality with massive potential to unlock. The Belgium international can operate anywhere across the forward line, in the hole as an attacking midfielder or in central midfield. His versatility will be another bonus for Leeds if they manage to secure his signature.
However, it’s not going to be easy to sign De Ketelaere from Milan considering he has signed a five-year contract at San Siro. Technical director Paolo Maldini is a big fan of the player and has urged the fans to be patient while backing him to show his worth over time at Milan.
Plus, Milan are reportedly happy to bide their time with Charles De Ketelaere and will continue to support him in whichever way they can to see him excel. Even if Marsch and Leeds remain interested in the Belgian attacker, a deal in January seems difficult.
