Owner Andrea Radrizzani has admitted that although Leeds United tried to sign Charles De Ketelaere, they always felt they wouldn’t have much of a chance against AC Milan.
A statement on Milan’s official website earlier this week confirmed the arrival of De Ketelaere, adding that the player has signed a contract until 30 June 2027 and will wear the number 90 shirt, which he wore at Brugge.
He has already had his first two training sessions with the club and could appear for the first time in tomorrow’s friendly against Vicenza, while De Ketelaere’s agent lifted the lid on just how complex a transfer saga it has been.
De Ketelaere is described by The Athletic as ‘the one who got away’ for Leeds after he signed for the Rossoneri, and Radrizzani has revealed all the details of the Premier League club’s pursuit of the Belgium international.
“He was our icing on the cake, the special player, but we were competing with AC Milan. They won the title, they have the Champions League. The fact that he was watching our documentary and was 50-50 about Milan or Leeds for a period makes me proud that we are in the right direction,” he said.
“Maybe I should have gone to Belgium 10 days (earlier) to close the deal. We had a period when I knew Milan were sleeping because of the change of ownership and I hesitated. We were agreed with Bruges on €40million.”
