De Ketelaere confirms PSG talks collapsed over €50m valuation as Torres signed
PSG talks fell through over price tag
Charles De Ketelaere has confirmed he spoke to Paris Saint-Germain about a summer transfer from Atalanta, with the move ultimately collapsing after the Ligue 1 champions chose to sign Ferran Torres from Barcelona.
The Belgium international joined Atalanta from AC Milan permanently two years ago after a productive 2023-24 loan spell, during which he scored 14 goals in 50 outings in all competitions. Since that loan, only Nicolo Barella (251) and Federico Dimarco (283) have created more chances than De Ketelaere’s 244 among Serie A players.
In the same period he has amassed 63 goal contributions (32 goals, 31 assists). Only Christian Pulisic (68), Marcus Thuram (75) and Lautaro Martinez (90) have managed more, numbers that attracted interest as PSG reshaped their attack.
PSG were credited with an interest in De Ketelaere this summer as Goncalo Ramos, Bradley Barcola, Ibrahim Mbaye, Randal Kolo Muani and Kang-in Lee all departed the Parisiens. Atalanta named a price of €50m for the 25-year-old, a valuation PSG were unwilling to match.
"Yes, I think it was around that amount," De Ketelaere confirmed. "But, we have to find a team that is willing to spend that amount."
"Several teams could do it in the Premier League, but it didn't happen. I spoke to PSG, but in the end they chose Ferran Torres."
PSG instead signed Torres from Barcelona for a reported €48.5m fee.
Settling at Atalanta and international form
De Ketelaere said he is happy at Atalanta and highlighted the importance of regular playing time after his spell with Milan.
"I'm happy at Atalanta, I know how important it is to play regularly as a starter following my time with Milan. I'd like to fight for titles one day. I have that ambition, but I'm only 25 and still have time."
He is yet to score for Atalanta in six outings across all competitions in 2026-27, with Maurizio Sarri’s side sitting 11th in Serie A heading into the international break.
Internationally, De Ketelaere impressed in Belgium’s 2-0 Nations League win over Italy on Friday, providing the assist for Dodi Lukebakio’s 69th-minute winner at the Stadio Olimpico. In Mark van Bommel’s first game in charge of the Red Devils, only Kevin De Bruyne (five) created more chances than De Ketelaere (four). He also led the team for successful dribbles (two), duels won (eight) and aerial duels won (two).
Belgium’s Nations League campaign continues on Monday against France, with a clash against Turkiye to come before they face Zinedine Zidane’s side again on October 5.