Manchester City are keen to explore a move for Charles De Ketelaere as a potential replacement for Kevin De Bruyne in the summer.
According to TBR, Manchester City are preparing for Kevin De Bruyne’s exit in the summer and have plans to replace him with compatriot Charles De Ketelaere. The Atalanta playmaker has had a stellar two seasons with the club and could be on the move in the summer again, with England as his likely destination.
Charles De Ketelaere made his mark with Club Brugge in Belgian, where he was revered for playing many attacking and midfield positions for the club. He got his big move to AC Milan in the summer of 2022 but has since left them after a year and moved to Atalanta.
The Belgian has excelled under Gian Piero Gasperini in the two seasons here including the current term. De Ketelaere has been crucial to Atalanta’s title push this year, as well as the Europa League triumph last season, as he continues to grow in a role on the Bergamo side.
However, his time in Bergamo could be shortlived as there are a host of clubs chasing his signature from the Premier League and La Liga, as De Ketelaere could attract massive interest in the summer. One of them is Manchester City, who are bracing for the exits of players like Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan in the summer.
The idea of signing De Ketelaere is more in line with replacing his compatriot De Bruyne at the club. Pep Guardiola probably feels he is the closest player to the experienced powerhouse. De Bruyne has interest from the MLS as well as the Saudi Pro League, as his time at Manchester City is surely at an end.
Will Charles De Ketelaere join Manchestrer City?
The chances of Atalanta dispersing off with a player for the right price is certainly a possibility, as they have done the same with many of their former talents. The Bergamo side have a business model that will see them sell their top talents, and De Ketelaere is one of them, having signed for £20 million and likely to land a huge profit for the Bergamo side.
Manchester City will continue their spending spree from the January window on to the summer market as they have the financial capacity to pay what’s necessary for their top targets. Hence, there’s a big chance of the 23-year-old Serie A playmaker leaving Atalanta to train under Guardiola and replace De Bruyne for the long-term future.
