Charles De Ketelaere has confirmed that Paris Saint-Germain held talks about signing him before the club turned to Ferran Torres this summer. The Atalanta forward made the admission to Belgian outlet La Dernière Heure. It closes the loop on a Charles De Ketelaere PSG story that had been circulating since the transfer window shut. He said he knew of PSG’s interest. The move never got beyond conversation stage.
De Ketelaere Reveals Paris Saint-Germain Transfer Discussions
De Ketelaere told La Dernière Heure that Paris Saint-Germain were among the clubs who made contact during the window. Talks did not progress into a formal deal. He pointed to the wider market for wingers and forwards as one reason why.
“There were interested clubs, but when you look at the transfer fees in the current market, it is not always easy to leave. I know that Atalanta asked for a large amount, and I believe it was around 50 million euros,” De Ketelaere said, according to comments reported by La Dernière Heure.
He went further on the specific interest from Paris. “In the Premier League, there are several clubs capable of paying that amount, but that did not happen. I spoke with Paris Saint-Germain, but in the end they chose Ferran Torres.” Those words settle the question of how close the move came, at least from the player’s side. You can read more of his interview comments reported by Goal.
Belgian Forward Details Atalanta Asking Price and Decision
According to De Ketelaere, Atalanta set their valuation of him at around 50 million euros. He raised the figure himself when asked why a move never happened. That number, by his own account, shaped how far any interested party was willing to go.
Staying in Bergamo isn’t a source of frustration for him. “I am happy here. I know how important it is to be a key player, ever since my time at Milan. I would like to compete for titles one day, and I have that ambition, but I am 25 years old and still have time ahead of me,” he said. It’s a measured view. De Ketelaere has rebuilt his career at Atalanta after a difficult spell at Milan.
Ferran Torres Impact and Luis Enrique Attack Options
Whatever the reasoning behind it, PSG’s decision to sign Torres from Barcelona has paid off early. The Spaniard has scored four goals in his first five Ligue 1 appearances. That gives Luis Enrique a sharp new option in the final third.
Torres arrived at Parc des Princes as part of a broader reshaping of the PSG attack this summer. Gonçalo Ramos left for AC Milan in a 74 million euro deal. His exit opened space for a different kind of forward, one who can drift wide and combine rather than simply lead the line. Torres fits that profile, and his early return in front of goal suggests Luis Enrique’s plan is working. Our summer transfer window analysis covers the wider picture of how the squad has taken shape.
PSG Transfer Strategy and Upcoming Fixture Schedule
None of this points to PSG missing out on a bargain. The club weighed up De Ketelaere and chose a different route. Nothing in his comments suggests Paris Saint-Germain walked away from an agreed fee. It was Atalanta’s asking price, not a PSG offer, that sat at 50 million euros.
For PSG supporters, the more relevant question now is whether Torres can keep up his early form as fixtures come thick and fast. Ligue 1 continues alongside Champions League commitments. Luis Enrique will want his new signing sharp for the run of matches ahead. Our coverage of the early domestic league campaign has more on what to expect from the squad in the weeks to come.
