Aston Villa have entered a fierce three-way battle with Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest to secure the signature of highly-rated Belgian teenager Nathan De Cat, according to recent reports.
The Transfer Tussle for a Teenage Titan
The January transfer window is heating up with Aston Villa emerging as serious contenders for Anderlecht's midfield sensation Nathan De Cat. TEAMtalk reports that Villa are 'in the race' alongside Tottenham and Nottingham Forest for the 17-year-old, who is valued at approximately £18 million plus add-ons.
Villa's interest stems from a clear strategic need to inject youth into their engine room. Recent statistics from Give Me Sport reveal that Villa possess the fifth oldest squad in the Premier League, with an average age of 27.85. The acquisition of De Cat would see the teenager learning from established stars like Amadou Onana (24), Boubacar Kamara (25), and Youri Tielemans (28).
The Midlands club, currently competing in the Europa League and with ambitions to return to the Champions League after last season's quarter-final appearance, view De Cat as a perfect long-term investment.
Who is Nathan De Cat?
Nathan De Cat is a 17-year-old central defensive midfielder who has already become a first-team regular at Belgian giants Anderlecht. Standing at an imposing 6ft 4in, the teenager made his professional debut at just 16 years old in a Challenger Pro League match against SL16 FC two seasons ago.
His rapid development has been remarkable. De Cat has made 26 senior appearances for Anderlecht, contributing two goals and one assist. This season alone, he has featured in 19 matches, starting 16 of them, gaining valuable experience in Belgium's top flight, Europa League qualifiers, and the Conference League.
On the international stage, De Cat has represented Belgium across multiple youth levels from Under-15 to Under-19, accumulating 20 caps. His performances earned him a spot in the Team of the Tournament at the Under-17 European Championships this summer, where Belgium reached the semi-finals.
Football analyst Michael Yokhin, quoted in The Guardian's Next Generation List, praised De Cat's versatile style, noting: "He is a fighter, but loves dribbling too, and is especially fond of performing the Zidane turn."
Premier League Suitors and January Prospects
The competition for De Cat's signature is intense. Nottingham Forest's interest comes amid speculation about the future of their in-form midfielder Elliot Anderson. Forest, who qualified for the Europa League by finishing seventh last season, are looking to strengthen their squad.
Tottenham Hotspur are also keen as new manager Thomas Frank continues to mould the team in his image following his appointment as Ange Postecoglou's replacement.
However, a January move is not straightforward. Anderlecht are currently third in the Belgian Pro League and firmly in the title race, making them reluctant to lose a key player. The Belgian club would only consider offers meeting their £18 million valuation, supplemented by performance-related add-ons.
This transfer saga represents a classic Premier League power play, with established European contenders Villa facing competition from ambitious projects at both Tottenham and Forest. The outcome could significantly influence the midfield dynamics at both clubs for years to come.
