Chelsea suffer blow in pursuit of ‘next Kevin De Bruyne’ as star advised against move

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Belgian wonderkid Charles De Ketelaere has been warned not to sign for a European heavyweight like Chelsea, dealing a blow to the Blues in a potential pursuit of the midfielder. There is a concern that a move to Stamford Bridge would hamper the development of one of the game’s most exciting young stars.

Club Brugge’s De Keterlaere is quickly making his name as the new young hope of Belgian football after a series of eye-catching performances.

The 20-year-old made his first-team debut two seasons ago after progressing through the youth system and is already the key man in Philippe Clement’s side. 

His showings have not gone unnoticed by national boss Roberto Martinez either, with De Keterlaere earning two full international caps. 

After impressing against Manchester City in the Champions League, talk has been rife over a big transfer for the youngster, who has netted 11 times in 89 first team appearances.

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He has unsurprisingly drawn comparisons with the mercurial Kevin de Bruyne and has been discussed as the heir to the Manchester City star’s throne in Belgium. 

But experienced former scout Urbain Haesert believes following in De Bruyne’s footsteps and moving to West London could be damaging at this stage of his career.

“Whether a departure is a good thing, I doubt it,” Haesert told Het Laatste Nieuws.

“My principle has always been that you are only a real first division player after two successful years at the highest level. Charles is a very big talent, but he still has to develop.

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“If you go to a big club now, you should see the names there. Then tell me in whose place you are going to play.

“Of course, his agent wants to take him to AC Milan, Real Madrid or Chelsea, but from the bench, you can’t possibly develop. And that would be very unhealthy for his career.”

De Ketelaere still appears destined for a move to a more prominent side in the near future.

However, case studies such as De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku prove that an early move to Chelsea does not always reap reward. 

Haesert has insisted the playmaker needs to be nurtured with more game time rather than be fast-tracked to a bigger club.

“If I were Charles, I would tell my agent: ‘Give me the PSG eleven on paper, you know them and tell me who I am going to play out of the team.” he added.

“That also applies to Ajax, which would be a very good club for Charles, given the philosophy and style of play.

“That’s why I advise Charles to stay at Club Brugge for another season.

“It’s a very good club, which is performing fantastically. You know you’re getting better, and you’re playing.”

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