Club Brugge are reportedly seeking €40 million from Premier League club Leeds United for star attacker Charles De Ketelaere.
According to Rudy Galetti, Belgian giants Club Brugge have demanded that Premier League club Leeds United and the other suitors fork out €40 million in transfer fee for Charles De Ketelaere.
The 21-year-old is among the best young prospects coming through the Belgian system. Already a regular for Brugge, De Ketelaere has considerable experience playing at the top level. Despite signing a new contract at the Jan Breydel Stadium until 2024, he is ready for a new challenge amid interest from Leeds United.
The Whites are rebuilding after a difficult 2021/22 season. Jesse Marsch’s side are set to lose star midfielder Kalvin Phillips, and Brazilian international Raphinha could also follow suit. This will leave Leeds United in acute need of replacing arguably their two best players in the same summer.
Raphinha, in particular, was the Yorkshire club’s beating heart in the attack. In a season where Leeds struggled to find the back of the net consistently, it was the Brazilian’s goals that eventually kept them in the top flight. With the player flirting with Barcelona and Chelsea, efforts are being made to replace him.
?? #Leeds are pushing hard for #DeKetelaere to replace #Raphinha: ongoing talks with the player's agent.
? #ClubBrugge ask around €40M to let him go. No progress for the ?? attacking midfielder on #ACMilan ?⚫ side. ?⚽ #Transfers #LUFC #Milan pic.twitter.com/MycLrxwgd5
— Rudy Galetti (@RudyGaletti) July 2, 2022
Landing De Ketelaere will be a coup for Leeds as they look to rebuild under Marsch. The Belgian international has what it takes to develop into one of the best-attacking midfielders in Europe in the coming future. Signing him will give them something they lack, a playmaker in the middle of the pitch.
De Ketelaere has been earmarked as the player, with AC Milan also in the fray for his signature. Discussions between the Italian giants have so far failed to yield results, meaning Leeds have an opportunity to make their move.
Brugge appear ready to let their playmaker leave for a fee of €40 million. While meeting the price might not be an issue should they cash in on Raphinha, personal terms might prove to be an obstacle. The Belgian international has shown little interest in moving to Elland Road in the summer. While Leeds have potential, they are far from being a tour de force in English football and have a long way to go before reaching their former status as giants.
