Legendary Belgian defender Philippe Albert insists Milan ought to wait for Charles De Ketelaere to develop, while Sandro Tonali is taking ‘a step down’ by joining Newcastle United.
De Ketelaere was a flop in his debut season, failing to score a single goal after his €35.5m plus bonuses transfer from Club Brugge.
“I think he has everything it takes to make it, but psychologically he is still young and it is tough to leave behind family, friends and in his case the city where he grew up,” Albert told MilanNews.it.
“He also struggled with the incredible pressure put on his shoulders after that price-tag. I am convinced that if he stays at Milan, is a first choice, then he will return to being the player we saw at Brugge. The club never lacked for support and he will repay that faith, because he has the quality.
“Serie A is very different to the Jupiler Pro League, he had more freedom there and it is more tactical in Italy. Adapting is not a walk in the park.”
Milan have been linked with a bid for De Ketelaere’s former Club Brugge teammate Lois Openda, who has impressed at RC Lens.
“De Ketelaere is a better player than Openda,” insists Philippe.
“Openda is a quick striker who attacks the space, but Charles can play as a pivot and his technique is superior. Ligue 1 is nothing like Serie A, so it is far easier to adapt. Even the Belgian league is better than the French one…”
Meanwhile, Milan have agreed the sale of Tonali to Newcastle United for €80m including add-ons and a cut of the future transfer fee if he is sold on.
“I know there will be a lot of pressure, because fans expect so much from Sandro considering his cost. If Tonali gives his all, then the Newcastle fans will let a lot go.”
Albert played for Newcastle from 1994 to 1999, then again before his retirement, but even he has a dim view of the move from Milan to the Magpies.
“In terms of division, the Premier League is a step up, but Milan are Milan, they won so many trophies and were the best in the world.
“Newcastle is a big club, but right now going from Milan to Newcastle is a step down. However, when a club is forced to accept €80m offers, the player has to do the same and accept his exit.”
Newcastle have invested a great deal of money since the takeover from PIF, the Saudi fund, while Tonali played the Champions League semi-final with Milan a year after winning the Scudetto.