De Ketelaere form at Atalanta could lead to Maldini exit

Charles De Ketelaere looks back to his best on his current Atalanta form, but his consistency means that opportunities for teammate Daniel Maldini have been few and far between in recent weeks, reports Football Italia expert Alfredo Pedullà. 

The Belgian is beginning to look like his old self, the De Ketelaere from the Club Brugge days. He was involved in all the key moves during Sunday’s 2-0 victory over Fiorentina in Serie A, and is showing the value that he brings to the team. 

The situation does mean that Atalanta have some reflections to make ahead of the January transfer window, though. There are a few situations that need to be monitored. 

One case is Maldini, who has had to settle for a series of short appearances off the substitute’s bench in recent weeks as a result of De Ketelaere being a mainstay in the Atalanta line-up. It is unlikely that the Italian will become a starter in the near future. 

A couple of Serie A clubs have made enquiries for his services. Atalanta have not yet made a final decision, and Palladino still has a few weeks to make up his mind, but Maldini is definitely a name to keep an eye on ahead of the January window, especially for a potential loan move.