AC Milan signed Charles De Ketelaere on Tuesday. The attacking midfielder comes from Club Brugge for at least 32 million euros, making it the most expensive outgoing transfer from the Belgian league ever.
The only 21-year-old De Ketelaere signs a contract until mid-2027 with the Italian team, which is led by trainer Stefano Pioli. Until now, he only played for Bruges in his career.
The transfer fee of 32 million euros can increase to 35 million euros due to bonuses. Never before has such a high amount been paid to a club from the Jupiler Pro League.
The previous transfer record in Belgium was held by Jonathan David. The 22-year-old attacker left KAA Gent in 2020 for the French Lille OSC. At the time, 27 million euros, plus 5 million euros in bonuses, were paid for him.
De Ketelaere played 120 games for the team from Bruges. In it he scored 25 times and was good for twenty assists. With Club he became champion of Belgium in the past three seasons.
De Ketelaere in the uniform of his new club AC Milan.
De Ketelaere in the uniform of his new club AC Milan. Photo: Getty Images