Veteran Belgian international and Club Brugge scout, Paul Courant believes Charles De Ketelaere could be a perfect addition for Chelsea if a move transpires.
Chelsea are constantly linked with the best talents, with the Blues proving themselves as one of the top destinations for emerging players across Europe. The west Londoners have a history of developing some top-notch Belgian players, with Kevin De Bruyne and Thorgan Hazard spending considerable time at Stamford Bridge early in their careers.
The Blues are linked with yet another rising star of Belgian football in Club Brugge’s Charles De Ketelaere. The forward’s displays have caught the attention of some big clubs across England and Europe, with Chelsea considered a prime contender for the 20-year-old.
De Ketelaere is also attracting interest from Real Madrid, which means he will have plenty of options to evaluate if he decides to leave Brugge. However, Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea have shown plenty of affiliation to play with young talents, which could swing the transfer battle in their favour.
While Chelsea do not set examples for youngsters regarding long-term futures, they certainly provide a solid developmental curve through their nurturing and loan system. De Ketelaere could consider those factors before deciding on his future.
However, former Belgium international Paul Courant, a revered club scout for Brugge, believes De Ketelaere will walk into the Chelsea side and start playing right away. His comments in an interview with Het Laatste Nieuws appeared on Sport Witness, as he bigged up the 20-year-old’s talents to play for Chelsea.
Courant said, “I’m going to tell you [how high he rates De Ketelaere] right away; very high. Put Charles at Chelsea tomorrow and he will play immediately. Especially, under that trainer [Tuchel] – I know that club and the vision of their coach a little bit. Charles no longer needs a refresher course. He is already a modern footballer – physically, technically and mentally.”
“The next step for Charles should be as high as possible. He does not first have to pass a few smaller European clubs. Just because everything is already very well put together with him. You know, if Charles would have grown up in Munich, he would now be playing for Bayern. I may be very euphoric, but it is true. I’m glad there’s someone like that walking around in Belgium.”
Whether Chelsea firm up their interest in De Ketelaere remains to be seen. For now, the Blues are among several clubs showing an interest in the budding Belgian forward, who is going from strength to strength at Club Brugge.
