49ers takeover to fund blockbuster Leeds United deal for Charles De Ketelaere as countdown begins
Leeds United face a potential takeover from the 49ers Enterprises next month, and the American investors could help the Whites secure Charles De Ketelaere’s signature.
As January approaches, Leeds face a busy month of transfer business – potentially under new owners.
As exclusively revealed by MOT Leeds News, a clause in the agreement between the 49ers Enterprises and current chairman Andrea Radrizzani states the full takeover must be completed before January 2023.
The new owners will be keen to make an immediate impact at Elland Road by providing fresh investment, and summer target De Ketelaere could be the blockbuster signing at the top of their list.
De Ketelaere only recently joined AC Milan in the summer after snubbing Leeds, but CBS journalist Ben Jacobs told GiveMeSport that the Whites have a chance of picking him up in January after his nightmare start to life in Milan.
The 21-year-old has only netted once in 13 Serie A appearances this season and was extremely lucky to be called up to the Belgium squad for the World Cup this winter.
He’ll be alarmed by his huge drop in form considering just last season he scored 14 in 33 for Club Brugge. If Milan are open to selling him, De Ketelaere will likely pounce on any opportunity to move elsewhere.
Leeds could offer him an escape route in January, but Milan would likely demand a £30million fee to ensure they break even on their investment in him from the summer. [Goal]
However, with the 49ers aware that a striker is a top priority in January and that De Ketelaere was one of Marsch’s first targets in the summer – a move could certainly be on the cards as the new owners announce their permanent stay in Yorkshire.
In other Leeds United news, rumours of a Crysencio Summerville injury are rubbished by Graham Smyth after the latest injury scare this week