Atalanta have exercised their option to make the loan of Charles De Ketelaere permanent, securing the Belgian attacking midfielder from AC Milan for a fee reported to be around 22 million euros, plus an additional 3 million in potential add-ons. The 23-year-old has signed a contract with La Dea running until June 2028, according to official communications from both clubs. The deal concludes a successful season-long loan in Bergamo, where De Ketelaere revitalized a career that had stalled following a difficult first year at Milan.
De Ketelaere arrived at Atalanta last summer on a loan deal that included a set purchase option, seeking regular playing time after a challenging debut Serie A season with the Rossoneri. Under the guidance of manager Gian Piero Gasperini, he has flourished, becoming a key component of Atalanta's attacking system. His tally of 10 goals and 7 assists in Serie A this season has been instrumental in the club's push for Champions League qualification, offering a stark contrast to his previous campaign where he failed to score in 40 appearances across all competitions for Milan.
The permanent move represents a significant financial loss for AC Milan, who signed the player from Club Brugge in the summer of 2022 for a fee in the region of 35 million euros. However, it provides a clear and positive resolution for all parties. For Atalanta, it secures a talented, young player who has already proven his fit within their tactical framework. For Milan, it concludes an expensive chapter, allowing them to reinvest the funds received. For De Ketelaere, it offers stability and a clear project at a club where he has rediscovered his confidence and form.
The transfer underscores Atalanta's successful model of identifying and developing talent, turning De Ketelaere's loan into a valuable long-term asset. His continued presence will be central to their ambitions as they look to cement their status among Italy's elite. For Milan, the concluded deal provides crucial capital to reshape their squad ahead of the new season under a different management structure.
