Atalanta CEO responds to question on De Ketelaere’s future: 'We are happy'

Atalanta’s CEO Luca Percassi was asked about whether Charles De Ketelaere would be joining the permanently in the summer window and it would be fair to say he gave little away.

De Ketelaere was the big signing of the 2022 summer transfer window for Milan as they agreed an operation with Club Brugge that was worth €32m plus bonuses having negotiated for weeks.

His first season with the club did not go to plan as he failed to score a single goal despite over 40 appearances, but Atalanta swooped in and showed their faith in the Belgian.

They paid €3m for the initial loan and they agreed a €22m option to buy plus €4m in bonuses, as well as owing Milan a percentage on any future resale.

He has turned a corner in terms of form, with 10 goals and seven assists to his name in 34 appearances across all competitions. Gian Piero Gasperini has been playing him closer to goal and has reaped the rewards.

Before the Coppa Italia semi-final game between Fiorentina and Atalanta, Percassi spoke to Mediaset and he was asked about the future of De Ketelaere beyond the end of the current campaign.

“We are happy that he will be available again tomorrow. From day one he had an excellent impact, both on a footballing and human level and in terms of behaviour,” he said (via MilanNews).

“We are happy with him but it is not the time to focus on the market, we need to think about the pitch, we will make choices later.”