A backup plan left in the Paris drawer
Paris Saint-Germain had its eye on Charles De Ketelaere before turning to Ferran Torres last summer. The Belgium international, now at Atalanta Bergamo, confirmed it himself on Friday.
The story goes back to the sale of Goncalo Ramos to AC Milan, completed for 74 million euros. It was a logical move for a player pushed down the pecking order, but it left a hole in the Paris squad. In the end, Paris went for Spaniard Ferran Torres, world champion with La Roja, who has scored four goals in five Ligue 1 matches since arriving. On paper, it looks a smart call.
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The Belgian speaks out
But before moving for the Barcelona man, the Paris hierarchy had sounded out De Ketelaere, 25. “There were teams interested, but with the current sums in the transfer market, it is not always easy to move,” said the former Club Brugge player. “I know Atalanta were asking a lot… around that figure, 50 million euros. But you need a club willing to put that on the table.”
The player makes no secret of the fact Paris were in the mix. “I spoke with PSG, but they ended up choosing Ferran Torres,” he said. A neat way to shut down the rumours, and without any obvious bitterness: “I’m happy at Atalanta. I’m 25, I still have time.”
Brugge, Milan, Atalanta, and maybe a European giant next
After breaking through at Brugge and enduring a difficult spell at AC Milan, De Ketelaere rebuilt his career in Italy with Atalanta, where he has become a regular starter. At 25, PSG’s interest is another reminder that he is still being tracked at the top end of Europe, even if his immediate future still looks like it will be in Bergamo.
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