FC Bayern are working hard to sign Nathan De Cat – but the poker for Belgium’s midfield jewel is heating up. The 17-year-old is one of the most sought-after talents in Europe, and while Munich are already in concrete talks with his entourage, an English club is now entering the race with force. Aston Villa are said to be prepared to dig deep into their pockets – and could thus complicate the record champions‘ transfer plan
Nathan De Cat has long been more than just a young talent in Belgium. The 17-year-old from RSC Anderlecht has immediately established himself in his first professional season and is regarded as one of the most exciting midfield promises in Europe. Physically strong, intelligent, flexible in several positions – De Cat has exactly the profile characteristics that top international clubs have been keeping a close eye on for months.
As Sky revealed, FC Bayern are scouting the youngster particularly intensively. At Säbener Straße, they see the Belgian as a potential successor to Leon Goretzka should he leave the club next summer. Max Eberl and Christoph Freund are said to be keen to sign De Cat, while coach Vincent Kompany also knows the youngster well from his time at Anderlecht – another advantage for the record champions in their bid to sign the talent.
Aston Villa increase the pressure – high bid planned
But Bayern are now facing top-class competition from England. According to information from transfer insider Ekrem Konur, Aston Villa want to get involved in the poker game and are already preparing an offer. The Villans are planning an offer of 22 to 25 million euros, flanked by bonus payments and a sell-on clause of 10 to 15 per cent.
The sum is exactly in the range that Anderlecht are demanding. Sky had reported that the traditional Belgian club was asking around 25 million euros for its top talent. This would immediately make Aston Villa a serious contender – especially because the Premier League can be much more aggressive financially than the Bundesliga.
It remains unclear whether Villa want to get De Cat in the winter or prefer to speculate on a summer transfer, but one thing is certain: this move will significantly intensify the competition for the central midfielder.
Bayern stay tuned – Kompany could become the X-factor
Despite the strong competition, FC Bayern remain convinced that they are in a very good starting position in the race for De Cat. The Munich club entered talks early on, showed clear sporting prospects and can rely on Kompany’s personal connection to the player. Kompany’s influence was particularly valued in Anderlecht’s youth system – a point that carries more weight with a 17-year-old than with established stars.
De Cat’s profile and potential developmental boost fit perfectly into Bayern’s long-term plans, but Aston Villa’s aggressive approach shows that if they want to sign the top Belgian talent, they must act quickly and decisively.