Dortmund, Man City and Chelsea-linked wonderkid has release clause in Hoffenheim contract

TSG Hoffenheim pulled off a major coup when they announced the signing of 18-year-old Nathan De Cat from RSC Anderlecht for a reported €20 million fee earlier this month.

>According to Sport Bild, numerous top clubs were interested in De Cat, including Borussia Dortmund, Manchester City and Chelsea, but the highly-rated midfielder opted to continue his development at Hoffenheim.

>De Cat signed a long-term contract with the Bundesliga club until 2031, but whether he stays that long is highly doubtful – especially given that, according to Sport Bild, his contract includes a €70 million release clause that becomes active in the summer of 2027.

>Despite only recently turning 18, De Cat made 53 appearances for Anderlecht’s first team. He also made his senior international debut for Belgium in March.