Nathan De Cat is transferring from RSC Anderlecht to TSG Hoffenheim—but that doesn’t mean the top Belgian talent is off FC Bayern’s radar. The record champions intend to continue closely monitoring the 17-year-old.
TSG Hoffenheim has pulled off a real transfer coup: The Kraichgau-based club is said to have paid Anderlecht around 20 million euros for Nathan De Cat. The central midfielder was recently considered one of the most sought-after talents of his age group and was on the radar of numerous clubs.
The club at Säbener Straße had also had the Belgian on its radar for months. FC Bayern is said to have scouted De Cat themselves in the past, but in the end, the Munich-based club did not make a concrete offer.
The reason lies in the club’s own personnel planning: FC Bayern wants to give Tom Bischof more playing time in midfield next season. As a result, another young defensive midfielder wasn’t at the top of the list. Nevertheless, De Cat isn’t disappearing from their radar.
Bayern can keep an eye on De Cat in the Bundesliga
As reported by BILD soccer editorChristian Falk, FC Bayern will continue to monitor the youngster’s development at Hoffenheim. The move to the Bundesliga even has a practical advantage for the Munich club: They’ll be able to keep a regular eye on De Cat during league play going forward.
“They know he has the skills they’re looking for, but right now the midfield position isn’t an issue. So it’s good that they can keep an eye on the 17-year-old at Hoffenheim while he’s playing in the Bundesliga, rather than on the international transfer market,” Falk explained.
At TSG, expectations for the new signing are high. “Nathan is one of the greatest talents in European soccer at his position. We firmly believe in his potential and want to give him the trust and time he needs to showcase his strengths at the Bundesliga level and continue to develop,” explained sporting director Andreas Schicker in a club statement.
De Cat signed a “long-term contract” with Hoffenheim and attributed his decision to the club’s clear commitment: “TSG made a serious and sustained effort to sign me very early on.” The Belgian sees “ideal opportunities to prove myself in a top-five European league and contribute to the club’s sporting success. In addition, participating in the Europa League gives me the chance to gain valuable international experience.”
For FC Bayern, this means the talented player remains within reach—but for now, he’ll be wearing the jersey of a Bundesliga rival.