Charles de Ketelaere (foto: Getty Images)
Bayern Munich is reportedly pushing to sign Atalanta playmaker Charles De Ketelaere after the Belgian gave initial approval for a move to Germany.
Bayern Munich are reportedly preparing a surprise summer move for Charles De Ketelaere.
According to Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri, the German giants have significantly accelerated their interest in the Atalanta playmaker in recent days.
The 25-year-old Belgian international has reportedly become one of Bayern’s priority targets as the club prepares major changes to its attacking structure this summer.
Bayern’s sporting leadership reportedly values De Ketelaere because of his tactical versatility, technical quality and ability to operate between the lines in several attacking roles.
Another important development for Bayern is the player’s reported openness toward the move.
According to multiple reports, De Ketelaere has already given initial approval to joining the Bundesliga champions, and personal terms are not expected to create major complications.
The next stage will involve negotiations between Bayern and Atalanta.
The Italian side is expected to demand a significant transfer fee for one of the key players in coach Gian Piero Gasperini’s squad.
De Ketelaere rebuilt his career in Bergamo after a difficult spell with AC Milan, where he struggled badly following his high-profile transfer in 2022.
Milan paid around €37 million for the Belgian, but he failed to meet expectations at San Siro.
Everything changed at Atalanta.
Under Gasperini, De Ketelaere rediscovered the form that once made him one of Europe’s most exciting young attacking talents.
His flexibility across multiple offensive positions reportedly makes him especially attractive for Bayern, who want players capable of filling different tactical roles.
Even so, his current season has been less spectacular statistically.
De Ketelaere has scored only three goals and added five assists this campaign.
Overall, he has registered 32 goals and 31 assists in 139 appearances for Atalanta.
Interestingly, Bayern already faced Atalanta earlier this season in the Champions League knockout rounds and completely dominated the Italian side with a crushing 10:2 aggregate victory.