Atalanta forward Charles De Ketelaere (25) has revealed that he held talks with Paris Saint-Germain this summer, before the reigning European champions ultimately set their sights on Spain’s Ferran Torres (26).
PSG refreshed their attack this summer. Out went Bradley Barcola, Randal Kolo Muani, Lee Kang-in, and Goncalo Ramos, and in came Mika Godts, Maghnes Akliouche, and Torres. The latter has started in spectacular form, scoring seven goals since making the move from Barcelona. However, things could have been different.
De Ketelaere, speaking in an interview with La Dernière Heure, has revealed that he joined PSG instead of Torres. “There were clubs interested, but when you see the prices being paid in the current market, it isn’t always easy to leave,” said the former AC Milan forward. “I know that Atalanta were asking for a lot, I think it was around €50m.”
That fee is what Les Parisiens paid to sign Torres, just weeks after he netted the winner for Spain in the FIFA World Cup final. “You have to find a team that will pay it,” De Ketelaere continued. “In the Premier League, there are several teams that can do it, but it didn’t happen. I spoke with PSG but they ultimately chose Ferran Torres. I am happy at Atalanta. I know how important it is to be a starter following my adventure at AC Milan.”
At PSG, De Ketelaere likely would have been a rotation option and perhaps sparsely used in the big UEFA Champions League fixtures, although Torres’ strong start saw him also start their UCL opener against Slovan Bratislava, during which he netted a hat-trick.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle
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