Dutch TV pundit and former Netherlands international Jan Mulder has questioned Charles De Ketelaere’s decision to join AC Milan over Leeds United. De Ketelaere completed his switch to the Serie A champions from Club Brugge on Tuesday for almost £27m, bringing an end to the one of the longest-running transfer sagas of the summer.
Milan were always thought to be the Belgium international’s preferred destination this summer, with the opportunity to play Champions League football in red and black one he saw as too good to turn down. However, Leeds were also interested in the forward, something Jesse Marsch has confirmed, with the Whites seeing him as the perfect man to supplement their attacking line.
According to reports, Leeds met Brugge’s asking price with a bid, but it seems they were unable to convince De Ketelaere of the benefits of Premier League football and that’s something Mulder finds hard to believe.
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“I don’t understand anything about this transfer,” he said, as per Het Laatste Nieuws. “Of course, he should have gone to the Premier League, because that is the very best league in the world.
“Milan and the Serie A, that’s where celebrities in their final days go these days. Leeds plays in the Premier League and Leeds has also played attractive football. Football that suits De Ketelaere.”
The 21-year-old’s decision to pen a five-year deal at the San Siro has left Leeds looking at other options as they look to add to their attacking ranks. Speaking after Sunday’s win over Serie B side Cagliari, Marsch revealed plans to sit down with club owner Andrea Radrizzani this week, to discuss their plans and other targets.
PSG’s Arnaud Kalimuendo, who caught the eye while on loan at Lens last season, is one name linked with a switch to Elland Road, while Ismaila Sarr and Southampton’s Che Adams have also been mentioned in recent days. The Whites are also known to the keen on adding a left-back to their squad before the transfer window closes on September 1.
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