UPDATE: Aston Villa is making a bold move to secure 17-year-old midfield sensation Nathan De Cat from Anderlecht in the upcoming January transfer window. This urgent development comes as the club aims to strengthen its midfield under manager Unai Emery, amid fierce competition from Tottenham Hotspur, Brighton, and Bayern Munich.
Sources close to the situation revealed that Villa has identified De Cat as a potential long-term partner for Boubacar Kamara. The Belgian prodigy has already made a significant impact, featuring regularly in Anderlecht’s first team and showcasing his skills on the international stage with Belgium’s U19 side. With 15 league appearances in the Jupiler Pro League this season, he is drawing comparisons to Manchester City’s Rodri for his exceptional deep-lying playmaking abilities.
Despite Anderlecht’s firm stance that De Cat will remain at the club until at least summer 2027, insiders indicate they may be open to negotiations for the right offer. Reports suggest that a deal worth £30 million (€35 million), including performance-related add-ons, could meet the club’s record sale ambitions.
Aston Villa is preparing to submit an initial bid of €22–25 million upfront, accompanied by additional bonuses and a 10–15% sell-on clause to entice Anderlecht into early discussions. The urgency of this move is amplified by Tottenham’s active pursuit of De Cat, with sporting director Johan Lange reportedly pushing hard to bring him to north London. Brighton has also expressed interest, making inquiries through intermediaries.
In a competitive landscape, Bayern Munich has maintained ongoing contact with De Cat’s representatives but is not expected to formalize an offer until the summer, unless Premier League movements prompt a faster decision. Two potential deal structures are currently being considered: a permanent transfer with an immediate loan-back to Anderlecht for the rest of the season, or a loan deal with a mandatory purchase clause in the summer.
Aston Villa reportedly favors the first option, allowing De Cat’s development to continue uninterrupted in Belgium before joining Emery’s side next season. As the transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on how this situation unfolds, and whether Aston Villa can outmaneuver their rivals in securing this promising talent.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops!
