Transfer blow for Leeds as club’s intentions for player revealed – Whites tried ‘for a long time’ to sign player

Charles De Ketelaere’s decision to reject Leeds United for AC Milan last summer was already revealed by his agents in August 2022.

A month later, Club Brugge CEO Vincent Mannaert revealed the Whites offered €40m, which is more than what the Serie A side proposed, but the forward’s decision to pick Milan over Leeds hasn’t worked out so far.

In fact, two days ago, Le Soir stated Leeds are still keen to sign the 22-year-old in the next window.

Calciomercato have relayed claims made elsewhere about Leeds and also provided their own information on this case.

They point out the Premier League side tried to sign the Belgium international ‘for a long time’ and are again said to be back in the mix to secure his services in the summer.

Leeds could be set for another disappointment because the Rossoneri don’t intend to part ways with the player. His difficult debut season hasn’t changed Milan chief Paolo Maldini’s ‘conviction’ on the Belgian.

Despite claims of Leeds and other clubs wanting De Ketelaere, Milan’s intention is to only wait for his ‘explosion’ next season, which is what happened with Rafael Leão and Sandro Tonali in recent years.

Milan’s stance would therefore come as a blow for Leeds in any fresh pursuit the Elland Road side had planned for De Ketelaere (should they avoid the drop to the Championship, of course).