'I expect...' - Journalist says Orta could bring Kaka-esque maestro to Leeds for £25.8m

Belgian journalist Alexandre Braeckman has indicated the kind of fee Club Brugge would accept for Leeds United target Charles de Ketelaere. 

According to The Athletic’s Phil Hay, Leeds are still ‘very much in the running’ to sign De Ketelaere, who’s also wanted by Serie A champions AC Milan and Leicester City.

He’s played in a variety of positions, including centre-forward, both wings and attacking midfield.

The 21-year-old is under contract with the Belgian champions for another two years.

Speaking to MOT Leeds News, Braeckmann explained that Brugge are hoping to keep De Ketelaere but that doesn’t mean they won’t be receptive to offers.

He thinks that a fee somewhere between £25.8million and £30.2million, as well add-ons, could be enough to convince them.

“Bruges is still trying to convince Charles to stay for one more season, that’s the main ambition, but they will analyse every offer that’s made,” he said.

“I expect, personally, that they could agree a fee around €30, €35m plus bonus.”

This could end up being a record deal for Leeds United. According to Transfermarkt, the biggest transfer in their history is the £29.56million move for Brenden Aaronson earlier in the summer.

Fortunately, though, De Ketelaere looks like he would be worth it.

He ranked in the Jupiler Pro League’s top ten for non-penalty goals (sixth) and total goal involvements (ninth) last season, an impressive feat as a youngster not known as an out and out striker (via FBRef).

Across all competitions, he notched eye-catching totals of 18 goals and ten assists.

He’s even been likened to Brazilian legend Kaka by scouts because ‘he makes very intelligent runs, has the quality to bring others into play and has a similar physical presence and gait’ (The