Who is Charles De Ketelaere? The 'next De Bruyne' wanted by Liverpool and Chelsea

Nicholas Hughes

• 19 Jan 2022 11:55 GMT
• 9 min read

Charles De Ketelaere is the next wonderkid in line to take centre stage in Belgium with the youngster bursting onto the senior football scene with both club and country.

Promoted through the famed youth academy at Club Brugge as a teenager, De Ketelaere has become a key first-team player and is catching the eye of a number of elite European sides.

The attacking midfielder was actually a talented tennis player around the age of 10, but turned his attention to football, much to the delight of the Belgian national team.

Already with a wealth of experience for his age and with plenty more to come in the future, De Ketelaere is set for a prolific career and could be making a big move in the near future.

What position does Charles De Ketelaere play in?

De Ketelaere is a versatile attacking player. While predominantly being a striker, particularly throughout his youth career, De Ketelaere is very good on the left wing or as a No.10.

How good is Charles De Ketelaere?

Making his Brugge debut as an 18-year-old, De Ketelaere is a richly talented youngster and has been placed on the radar of some of Europe’s top clubs by virtue of his performances so far.

After an initial season breaking into the first-team, his 2020/21 campaign proved his talent and his significant potential, making 38 league appearances and scoring four goals while providing six assists.

Brugge won back-to-back Belgian Pro League titles in that time, with De Ketelaere’s ability to play an important role in those season’s indicative of his talent.

He has stepped up his game in 2021/22, too, scoring 13 goals and recording eight assists in all competitions.

The youngster is the true definition of a modern attacker – not purely a goal scorer, not purely a creator, but equally adept at both.

Despite his tall frame, De Ketelaere is deceptively quick and agile, capable of beating defenders with skilful, quick feet in tight areas.

In the 18-yard box, he has the composure to make the right decision and the talent to execute, with an eye for a finish and an accurate final pass, both from crossing positions or playing through the centre of an opposition defence.

Such is his talent that despite his young age, he scored his first goal for Belgium in just his second appearance against the reigning European Champion Italy, one of the best defensive teams in the world.

His finish in the match proved everything about his ability. Played through on goal but with the angle against him, he bided his time before coolly slotting through the legs of Gianluigi Donnarumma, with composure beyond his years.

Which clubs are interested in Charles De Ketelaere?

Reports from Spain initially suggested that Liverpool made first contact with De Ketelaere’s representatives, as they led the race for the Belgian talent.

Others reports from England have suggested that Arsenal and Manchester United have kept tabs on the attacking talent, while Serie A giants Milan and Lazio have also been linked with a move for the player.

Most recently, Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna confirmed that the man dubbed ‘the next Kevin de Bruyne’ was now being chased by two clubs in particular: Chelsea and Leicester City.

While the Foxes may be extremely interested, a move to Chelsea would likely make more sense considering the London club’s habit of buying players and then loaning them back to their former clubs until they are finished developing.

When does Charles De Ketelaere’s contract expire?

Alongside fellow Brugge starlet Noa Lang, De Ketelaere signed his latest contract extension in September 2021.

That takes his deal to the summer of 2024, meaning clubs will likely be forced to pay a premium fee with multiple years left on the contract.

How old is Charles De Ketelaere?

De Ketelaere was born on March 10, 2001, making him 20 years old.

What is Charles De Ketelaere’s height?

De Ketelare measures at 192cm tall, or around 6ft 3in.

What is Charles De Ketelaere’s weight?

De Ketelaere is believed to weigh around 79kg.

What football boots does Charles De Ketelaere wear?

De Ketelaere wears Adidas football boots, preferring the Adidas X Speedflow.1 cleats.

What is Charles De Ketelaere’s Instagram?

De Ketelaere has 61k followers on Instagram as of October 2021.

Who is Charles De Ketelaere’s girlfriend?

De Ketelare is dating Belgian Jozefien Van de Velde.