Atalanta President Antonio Percassi confirms Charles De Ketelaere will join the Nerazzurri permanently and Stefano Pioli says ‘superior experience’ helped the Belgian in his second season in Serie A.
De Ketelaere will join Atalanta on a permanent transfer from Milan after a one-year spell at the Gewiss Stadium. The Belgian had only provided an assist in 40 appearances last term but he revived his career in Bergamo with 11 goals in nine assists in 44 appearances across all competitions in 2023-24.
Percassi has confirmed Atalanta will sign CDK permanently and Pioli shared his view on the Belgian talent during a pre-match press conference on Friday.
“I think there could be two, as far as I can tell. Last year, Charles was in his first season in a different, difficult, very competitive league,” said the Italian tactician.
“He certainly suffered from this. So this year, he found himself with a superior experience in a role that is probably more suited to his characteristics.”
Pioli also said he didn’t consider changing De Ketelaere’s role in 2022-23 because he and his staff had “different plans.”