Leeds United’s summer overhaul was largely dominated by one transfer saga, as they sought to sign wonderkid Charles De Ketelaere from Club Brugge.
The young Belgian had enjoyed a stellar year for his boyhood club and as such was earning interest from a host of clubs.
In the end, the allure of Italy proved too much as AC Milan beat the Whites to his signature. He joined the Serie A champions in a €35m (£30m) move which is now earning him £46k-per-week, although is yet to live up to this financial burden.
In 18 appearances this season, the 21-year-old is yet to score and has just one assist, so perhaps the Whites dodged a bullet by not spending big on him.
However, it seems that the Rossoneri could be keen to recoup some of their initial investment in De Ketelaere, as reports state that they may be willing to allow him to depart on loan in January.
This arguably comes at the perfect time for Victor Orta, who will be keen to secure some backup for Crysencio Summerville after the youngster’s recent injury scare.
The Dutch forward had scored in each of his last four games in the Premier League before the World Cup break, but he remains one of only three out-and-out wingers at the club alongside Luis Sinisterra and Jack Harrison.
Therefore, to obtain De Ketelaere on loan would be the perfect risk-free trial for Jesse Marsch, adding squad depth and reaping the qualities of a player they so nearly signed in the summer.
There was a reason for their continued pursuit, as the Belgian had truly starred last season.
Across his 49-match campaign, he scored 18 goals and set up a further ten, marking a sensational season of goalscoring and creativity. It even earned him a call-up to his national squad for their disappointing World Cup campaign, featuring for just 15 minutes in Qatar.
Described by former Club Brugge icon Gert Verheyen as someone who “combines efficiency with beautiful football”, De Ketelaere would provide something different amongst Marsch’s ranks whilst adding another tricky winger to Leeds’ dwindling talent pool.
The 6 foot 4 wizard clearly has the ability to excel in the final third, as he showed throughout 2021/22, and a risk-free loan move to Elland Road could mark the perfect deal for both player and club.