Tottenham Hotspur tracking progress of young Belgian forward

Tottenham are tracking the progress of Belgian forward Charles De Ketelaere, who has popped onto the radar of a few Premier League sides.

Before anyone gets too excited, De Ketelaere is far from the finished article and would, if Spurs continue their pursuit, represent another speculative project for the future. And that’s something Tottenham supporters do not want to hear right now.

Spurs need players who can impact first team proceedings immediately upon arriving in north London.

De Ketelaere, though, is an impressive young talent whose versatility appeals to Fabio Paratici. The 20-year-old prefers patrolling the No. 9 role, but is also comfortable attacking from either wing.

As customary with many young footballers, De Ketelaere has a lean and lanky build. Standing at 6′ 3″, he is still waiting to fill out, slightly resembling a bean pole.

He signed with the Club Brugge youth team when he was seven years old and has remained with the Belgian side ever since. De Ketelaere cracked the senior side in 2019 and is becoming more influential with each passing season.

He has 19 goals and 18 assists in 101 appearances, most of which coming in the current campaign. De Ketelaere has 12 goals and eight assists in 30 appearances so far this season. Transfermarkt currently values the 20-year-old at just over £22 million, but reports suggest Tottenham will have to shell out over £30 million to secure the signing.

That’s about £10 million too much for such an unknown, unproven quantity. Spurs already have enough youthful, promising talent on the books to forgo the risk associated with signing De Ketelaere.

Leicester are the other primary team interested in the Belgian’s progress.