Charles De Ketelaere’s situation is turning into a bit of a mess. Club Brugge have an offer from Leeds United, worth €37-40m, that they’d be happy to accept, but the player wants a move to AC Milan.
The Rossoneri haven’t yet met the demands, and there’s growing frustration in Belgium.
Monday’s edition of HLN reports that De Ketelaere refused to play in a friendly at the weekend, with the Belgian club saying the situation is ‘a bit too much’ for the 21-year-old.
He was spotted in the stands, wearing a cap with the word ‘Freedom’ on it, with the insinuation this could have been a message to his current club.
HLN sound a little irritated with both the player and AC Milan. It’s explained a deal with the Italian club ‘seems a long way off’ after what’s happened over the past few days with Milan. They haven’t yet shown the willingness to make an effort and pay close to what Club Brugge want, despite the Belgian club lowering their demands slightly to try and meet in the middle.
There’s a suspicion that the Serie A side may be working on signing a cheaper option instead.
Leeds United and their offers gets a mention, and the Whites aren’t said to be out of the race. HLN round off their article by saying De Ketelaere should ‘not shy away from his responsibilities’ as a professional footballer.
Over at Gazzetta dello Sport they’re a little more cheery. The Italian newspaper starts off by saying that if Club Brugge had their way, ‘they would have already sent him to Leeds’.
A ‘last thrust’ is expected early this week, although it’s made clear there are alternatives should no agreement be possible.
Should Milan move for one of those alternatives, and therefore give up on De Ketelaere, that’s when Leeds United would have another chance.
