‘Simply the best option’: BVB target explains snub | OneFootball

Nathan de Cat was considered a highly sought-after talent last summer. VfB Stuttgart were reportedly interested, as were Borussia Dortmund in the Belgium U21 international. In the end, however, the 18-year-old chose to join TSG Hoffenheim — and has now explained why.

The midfielder moved from RSC Anderlecht to Hoffenheim for €17 million plus possible bonus payments. Although BVB and Stuttgart — two clubs playing in the Champions League this season — showed interest, he chose TSG.

For de Cat, the decisive factor was above all the prospect of regular playing time. “The people in charge here were extremely important to me. And of course the prospect of playing time. For a young player, the most important thing is to get as many minutes as possible,” the Belgian explained to BILD.

De Cat apparently did not want to base his career planning solely on the club’s name. Instead of moving to a top club like Borussia Dortmund, he opted for an environment where he sees better chances of playing regularly.

“I think you have to choose the right people and the right next step at the right time. Hoffenheim was simply the best option for me,” said the 18-year-old.

With that, de Cat also turned down BVB’s apparent interest. At the same time, the midfielder does see the possibility of one day playing on Europe’s biggest stage with Hoffenheim.

“And why shouldn’t I play in the Champions League with Hoffenheim someday?” de Cat said with a smile.

De Cat not impressed by the millions

By his own account, the speculation surrounding his transfer fee and rising market value does not concern the Belgian much either. His market value has now climbed to more than €25 million.

“Honestly, that number doesn’t really interest me. I just want to play football and enjoy the time with my teammates,” de Cat stressed.

Photo: IMAGO

Away from the pitch as well, the youngster has deliberately chosen a quiet environment. De Cat lives with his father in a shared apartment in Nußloch. “I think he will definitely stay here with me for the first year, and then we’ll see what happens. It helps me a lot to settle in,” he explained.

The Belgian sees the tranquil surroundings in the Kraichgau region as an advantage. Unlike in Brussels before, he can go about his daily life there relatively undisturbed. “As a footballer, you can just go for a walk without constantly being noticed. I really like that,” said de Cat.

So far, the midfielder has made four competitive appearances for Hoffenheim. Most recently, however, he was left unused in two straight Bundesliga matches.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.