Atalanta reportedly set €50m asking price for Charles De Ketelaere after World Cup 2026 performance

Atalanta are reportedly prepared to sell Charles De Ketelaere for approximately €50 million, following his impressive performances for Belgium at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The versatile attacker’s showing has garnered significant attention, with European giants like Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain reportedly among the interested parties.

De Ketelaere emerged as one of the surprise stars of the tournament in North America, contributing three goals and one assist across five appearances as Belgium reached the quarter-finals. Notably, he was the only player to score against eventual champions Spain throughout the competition.

World Cup Impact and Growing Interest

The 2026 World Cup served as a significant platform for De Ketelaere, elevating his profile considerably. His contributions were central to Belgium’s campaign, showcasing his ability to perform on the global stage. This resurgence in form, coming after a period where his future at Atalanta seemed more settled, has put the club in a position to consider lucrative offers.

Reports from Italian outlet *Corriere di Bergamo*, via *Calciomercato*, indicate that interest in the Belgian international is intensifying. Beyond Bayern Munich and PSG, there are also suggestions of Premier League clubs monitoring the situation, highlighting the broad appeal generated by his tournament display.

Atalanta’s Financial Considerations

Initially, Atalanta were not expected to part ways with De Ketelaere this summer. The club had reportedly lined up profitable deals for other key players, including Marco Palestra to Chelsea and Ederson to Manchester United, which would have addressed their financial objectives. However, with Ederson’s proposed move to Old Trafford now reportedly off, Atalanta’s stance on selling another high-profile player appears to have shifted.

The *Corriere di Bergamo* report suggests that if the club decides to sell a major first-team star, De Ketelaere is now considered a more likely candidate than, for instance, goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi. This shift underscores the financial implications of the failed Ederson transfer and the new opportunities presented by De Ketelaere’s increased market value.

New Coach’s Plans

Despite the transfer speculation, Atalanta’s new coach, Maurizio Sarri, is reportedly a keen admirer of De Ketelaere’s talents. Sarri is said to be planning to integrate the Belgian as a crucial component in his tactical setup, specifically envisioning him in a key attacking role just behind the main striker in a 4-2-3-1 formation. This indicates a potential conflict between the club’s financial strategy and the new coach’s sporting ambitions.

The coming weeks will likely determine whether Atalanta prioritizes the significant transfer fee or retains a player who their new coach views as central to his plans.

Key facts

This development is significant for FootballGames10 readers interested in European football transfers and how major tournaments can influence player valuations. De Ketelaere’s potential move could impact the competitive balance in Serie A and strengthen a top European club, making him a player to watch as the transfer window progresses.

Source: Football Italia RSS (https://football-italia.net/atalanta-set-de-ketelaere-asking-price/)