Belgian Playmaker Ends Transfer Speculation
Charles De Ketelaere has sent a clear message to Atalanta fans and the club hierarchy, declaring his commitment to the Bergamo side from the Belgium national team camp. The 25-year-old attacking midfielder, who has been the subject of transfer rumours throughout the summer, firmly stated that he wants to remain at the Gewiss Stadium and continue his development under Gian Piero Gasperini system.
The Belgian international spoke openly about his journey, acknowledging the difficult moments but expressing confidence in his current trajectory. I feel good and I want to stay, De Ketelaere said. This season has helped me understand what kind of player I am. I feel stronger, more mature, and ready to take on more responsibility.
A Tale of Two Seasons
De Ketelaere path at Atalanta has been a story of contrasts. After joining from AC Milan, where a difficult 2022-23 season saw him fail to score in 32 appearances, the Belgian playmaker found a new lease of life in Bergamo. His first season with Atalanta was prolific, with 14 goals and 12 assists across all competitions, playing a key role in the club run to the Europa League final.
The recently concluded campaign saw different statistical returns: 5 goals and 7 assists in a more reserved role. While these numbers represent a drop from his peak output, they tell only part of the story. The underlying metrics show a player who has refined his positioning, improved his decision-making in the final third, and developed a stronger defensive work rate — qualities that Gasperini values highly in his system.
Milan Years: A Learning Experience
Reflecting on his time at Milan, De Ketelaere offered a measured assessment of what was widely considered a difficult period. The year at Milan taught me a lot about resilience and about how quickly perceptions can change in football, he explained. I arrived as a young player with potential, and when things did not go immediately, the pressure mounted. But those experiences build character.
The Belgian emerged from that period with a determination to prove his quality, and his move to Atalanta proved to be the catalyst for his resurgence. Gasperini reputation for developing attacking talent and his tactical flexibility gave De Ketelaere the platform to express himself.
What This Means for Atalanta
De Ketelaere commitment is a significant boost for Atalanta as they prepare for a campaign that includes Champions League football. With the club already facing questions about the futures of key players, including Teun Koopmeiners and Giorgio Scalvini, securing the Belgian loyalty provides stability in the attacking midfield department.
His ability to operate across multiple positions — as a trequartista, a second striker, or a wide playmaker — gives Gasperini valuable tactical flexibility. At 25, De Ketelaere is entering what should be his prime years, and Atalanta will be hoping that the version of the Belgian they see this season is the one that dazzled in his first campaign rather than the tentative figure of his second.
For now, the message from the Belgium camp is unequivocal: De Ketelaere is staying, and he is ready to lead Atalanta charge.
