Hoffenheim's pursuit of De Cat leaves PSV in the cold

Seventeen‑year‑old Anderlecht midfielder Nathan De Cat has reached a personal agreement to join German side TSG Hoffenheim, which had also been monitoring the Belgian talent.

Hoffenheim’s interest is driven by De Cat’s reputation as a top Belgian prospect, a player that has already attracted attention from clubs across Europe. The German club previously secured Mats Rots from PSV, demonstrating its willingness to poach midfield talent.

Anderlecht has De Cat under contract until mid‑2027 and hopes to persuade him to extend his stay. Should the youngster decline, the club is prepared to sell him this summer to secure a transfer fee for the promising midfielder.

Besides Hoffenheim, De Cat was linked with several high‑profile clubs, including the Bundesliga’s top teams, Aston Villa, Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, Tottenham Hotspur and PSV. The breadth of interest underscores his rising profile on the continental stage.

Hoffenheim is also targeting NEC midfielder Kodai Sano, indicating the German side aims to add two midfielders during this transfer window. Sano’s name appeared alongside De Cat as part of Hoffenheim’s recruitment plan.

For PSV, the personal agreement means the club loses a coveted target and must look elsewhere for midfield reinforcements. Anderlecht, meanwhile, stands to benefit financially if a summer sale to Hoffenheim materialises.