Manchester City

Manchester City

Premier League • England

Man City plan to bolster attacking options as they rival Prem sides for European star

Charles De Ketelaere, Andreas Skov Olsen, Club Brugge, April 2022.

Manchester City are reportedly looking to bolster their attack with the signing of Charles De Ketelaere, who is of interest to other Premier League sides.

De Ketelaere has developed into a major threat in front of goal this season. Indeed, the Club Brugge star has contributed to 26 goals in all competitions.

This has been a breakout season for the Belgian. Before the current campaign, his best return in front of goal in a season of senior football was five.

Clearly, he is developing into quite the player, and at just 21 years old, he could perform at a high level for many years to come. What’s more, his versatile nature makes him a valuable asset; De Ketelaere can play up front, on either wing, or in the midfield.

He has also made his mark on the international stage, scoring once in his six appearances for Belgium. Furthermore, he could be part of the Belgium squad for the World Cup this summer.

With that being said, De Ketelaere is a target for a number of English clubs. Leicester City and Newcastle United are both reported to have pursued the star in January and beyond.

They are now reported to have been joined in their pursuit by Manchester City.

That is according to journalist Ekrem Konur, who states that City are planning on making an offer for the Belgian.

City could, of course, contend financially with the other interested sides.

With just two seasons left on De Ketelaere’s contract, a deal would likely not be too expensive.

De Ketelaere could lessen dearth of attacking options

Charles De Ketelaere pictured during a press conference of the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA), Monday 21 March 2022in Tubize, during the preparations for the friendly games against and in Ireland (26/03) and against Burkina Faso

City have been without an out-and-out striker since Sergio Aguero left for Barcelona in the summer. As such, they have been playing other attacking players up top, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish are among the stars to have filled the role.

While De Ketelaere can play in other positions, he has played up front a lot, especially this season.

The Belgian potentially joining could mean for more attacking threat in the City side.

What’s more, Julian Alvarez – signed from River Plate in January – will finish his loan period at his former club at the end of the season, so City could well have a few more attacking options available to them next year.

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