At a Glance
- Manchester United eyeing Belgian youngster
- De Cat is also on Tottenham’s wishlist
- A new midifelder is on the agenda at Old Trafford
Manchester United are racing to land Belgian star Nathan De Cat this summer, fending off Europe’s elite to secure the prodigy for Carrington.
The exciting 17-year-old has already played 75 times for RSCA Futures, Anderlecht’s youth academy, which plays in the Challenger Pro League. He’s also made six appearances in European competitions with the Belgian club’s senior team.
Standing at 192cm (6ft 3inches), De Cat will cost United a pretty penny, with the predicted fee already reaching the €35 million (£30.2 million). This reflects his status as one of the world’s brightest young midfield talents.
De Cat Delight: Devil’s lead charge
A report from Fussball Daten states that scouts from Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur were reportedly present at the recent derby against Club Brugge to observe De Cat. Tottenham, in particular, are said to see him as the ideal deep-lying playmaker for the club’s evolving tactical system.
While two Premier League giants watch him, the promising midfielder is also drawing interest from Europe’s elite clubs. RB Leipzig, Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich, and Borussia Dortmund are all vying for the graceful giant, as German scouts keep a close eye on him.
Clubs are evidently lining up to sign the youngster this summer. But how has De Cat fared so far in Belgium amid growing interest in him?
Rising star: De Cat’s Belgian breakthrough
Since making his debut on 20 February 2025, at the age of just 16 years and seven months, De Cat has been working to secure a place in the Anderlecht first team. This season, he has announced himself, dominating matches and establishing himself as one of Europe’s most promising midfielders.
De Cat first showcased his potential on the international stage that summer at the UEFA European Under-17 Championship. The Belgian impressed as he helped his country to reach the semifinals, narrowly losing 3‑2 to eventual runners-up France.
| Nathan De Cat (Belgian Pro League) | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Appearances: | 28 |
| Goals: | 2 |
| Assists: | 4 |
| Interceptions: | 1.0 |
| Tackles per game: | 1.8 |
| Balls recovered per game: | 3.8 |
| Big chances created: | 3 |
| Key passes: | 0.8 |
| Ground duels won: | 3.2 (49%) |
| Aerial duels won: | 0.9 (48%) |
His commanding performances throughout the tournament saw him claim the defensive midfielder of the competition. His standout performances have drawn the attention of Manchester United scouts, with Michael Carrick, who is already thrilled with his team, eyeing him as his first summer signing if appointed manager.
With Casemiro entering the final eight matches of his Manchester United career after announcing his departure, De Cat could represent the perfect long-term heir in the Red Devils’ midfield.
