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Bayern Munich have been handed a major boost in their pursuit of Charles De Ketelaere, with the Atalanta midfielder already giving the green light to a potential move to the Allianz Arena this summer. Club-to-club talks between Bayern and Atalanta are now expected to begin shortly, with personal terms unlikely to be a stumbling block.
The development was reported by Sky Sport CH transfer expert Sacha Tavolieri, who states that De Ketelaere has approved the switch and that Bayern’s interest is concrete – not just exploratory. The Bundesliga giants are now focused on agreeing a fee with the Serie A club.
From Milan Misfire to Atalanta’s Star Man
De Ketelaere, 25, is not the same player who quietly disappeared at AC Milan after a high-profile €32 million arrival from Club Brugge in 2022. That spell produced just eight goals in 70 appearances and ended with a €3 million loan to Atalanta in 2023 – a move that looked like damage limitation at the time.
What followed in Bergamo has been one of Serie A’s better redemption arcs. He contributed 13 goals and 11 assists in his first full season, helping Atalanta win the Europa League in May 2024. The permanent deal – struck for around €24 million from AC Milan – now looks like a serious bargain. This season he has added five goals and seven assists across 39 appearances, cementing himself as one of the most complete attacking midfielders in Italy.
Why Bayern Munich Want Him This Summer
Bayern are in the market for creative, high-IQ attackers who can operate across the front line – and De Ketelaere fits that profile almost exactly. He can play as a number ten, a false nine, or from wide areas, giving the manager genuine tactical flexibility. It is exactly the kind of versatile profile the club’s transfer strategy has been gravitating towards, as seen with their sporting director’s recent comments on attacking reinforcements.
Italian pundit Antonio Cassano summed up the appeal bluntly, calling De Ketelaere “one of Europe’s most complete attacking midfielders” and suggesting his vision and dribbling would thrive in the Bundesliga. Bayern, who are also exploring other attacking targets this summer, appear to have identified the Belgian as a priority rather than a backup option.
What Atalanta Will Demand
Atalanta are not in any rush to sell. De Ketelaere’s contract at the Gewiss Stadium runs until June 2028, and the club have shown throughout their recent history that they will not be bullied into cheap exits. Reports suggest Atalanta’s asking price starts at €55–60 million, with the club only truly entertaining offers north of €70 million.
There is also a reported €80 million release clause active from the summer of 2026 – a figure Bayern will use as a ceiling in negotiations while hoping De Ketelaere’s preference for the move gives them leverage to agree something below that number. A 10% sell-on clause reportedly owed to AC Milan adds another layer of complexity to the final structure of any deal.
The Competition Is Already Circling
Bayern are not alone. Liverpool have been monitoring the situation and could reignite interest if their own summer targets fall through. Earlier this window, Premier League clubs including Aston Villa and Newcastle were linked, though De Ketelaere’s prioritisation of Champions League football effectively closed the door on some of those options.
Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini has already warned publicly that clubs of Liverpool and Real Madrid’s stature could yet enter the picture – which tells you everything about how far De Ketelaere’s stock has risen since those difficult days at Milan.
When Do Talks Kick Off – and Can Bayern Get This Done?
Bayern’s opening bid is expected before the end of May, with Atalanta’s internal end-of-season review on 25 May likely to clarify the club’s stance on selling their standout creative player. If Bayern move quickly and meet Atalanta somewhere close to their valuation, the player’s preference could prove decisive.
De Ketelaere has done the hard part – rebuilding his reputation from the ground up. Now it is over to the clubs to agree a number. If Bayern blink first with a serious offer, this one could move fast.
