Atalanta secure De Ketelaere from AC Milan on permanent deal

Atalanta have signed Belgium forward Charles De Ketelaere on a permanent basis from AC Milan after one season on loan to Bergamo, the Serie A club announced on Saturday.

"Atalanta BC are pleased to announce the permanent signing of footballer Charles De Ketelaere," the Europa League winners said in a short statement.

De Ketelaere has been a revelation for Atalanta since being loaned from Milan last summer, scoring 14 goals and setting up 11 more in an historic season for Gian Piero Gasperini's side.

Triumph in the Europa League was Atalanta's first major trophy in 61 years, and they also qualified for next season's revamped Champions League.

De Ketelaere was a disappointment for Milan following his 35 million euro move from Club Brugge two years ago, failing to score once in any of his 40 appearances for the seven-time European champions.

Atalanta have secured the 23-year-old's services by activating their option to buy worth a reported 22 million euros.

De Ketelaere is in Germany with Belgium for Euro 2024, where the Red Devils will face Slovakia, Romania and Ukraine in Group E.