Charles De Ketelaere found out about the agreement between AC Milan and Atalanta over his sale while the squad were on a flight, a report claims.
As SOSFanta writes, De Ketelaere is enjoying his second season in Serie A with Atalanta. Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara signed him from Club Brugge for €32m plus bonuses but he suffered from the expectations, and thus joined La Dea on an initial loan.
De Ketelaere moved to Bergamo on a paid loan for €3m with an option to buy set at €23m plus €2m in bonuses linked to Atalanta’s finish in the table and a 10% resale clause, with a contract until 2028 ready if the move is made permanent.
The report adds that Milan and Atalanta closed the agreement for the Belgian’s move while the players called up for the 2023 summer tour were on the plane returning from the USA to Italy.
The player, therefore, was not directly aware of the negotiation and only learned of the news when he landed in Milan. The following days were used to obtain the approval of the former Brugge star.
De Ketelaere was also intent on evaluating other potential offers that might have come from teams playing in the Champions League, while other small economic details between the two clubs linked to bonuses and resale were ironed out.
The player’s approval paved the way for the positive conclusion of the negotiation, which ended up taking place, and his performances on the field speak volumes.