Tottenham throws a wrench in the works: Bayern’s pursuit gets more expensive | OneFootball

FC Bayern has had its eye on Nathan de Cat for quite some time—but the race to sign the talented Belgian midfielder is heating up. With Tottenham Hotspur apparently entering the fray, another top club is driving up the price.

Since the end of last year, the name de Cat has been popping up around Säbener Straße. The 17-year-old from RSC Anderlecht is considered one of Belgium’s greatest talents and has long been on the radar of several top European clubs. Now the tug-of-war appears to be picking up speed.

For FC Bayern, Vincent Kompany’s connection to his former club, Anderlecht, could be particularly helpful. Most recently, the English website TEAMtalk even reported that the record champions might have a strong hand because of this. Meanwhile, the Munich club is said to have taken the next step and made contact with the player—as has Borussia Dortmund.

Tottenham is apparently already in negotiations

While Bayern and BVB are testing the waters with the player, Tottenham Hotspur is reportedly already further along. According to TEAMtalk, the London club is currently in concrete negotiations with Anderlecht to bring de Cat to England. The English club has reportedly scouted the midfielder extensively and identified him as a potential cornerstone for the coming years.

But the competition doesn’t end there. A concrete inquiry has reportedly also come in from Manchester United, while Manchester City and Chelsea FC are also stepping up their efforts. Clubs such as Arsenal FC, Liverpool, RB Leipzig, Bayer Leverkusen, and VfB Stuttgart are said to be keeping a close eye on the young talent.

Price tag climbs to at least 40 million

The growing interest comes at a price: As recently as this spring, a transfer fee of around 25 million euros was being discussed; according to TEAMtalk, the price tag now stands at at least 40 million euros. Bayern Munich generally has a need in midfield—with Leon Goretzka’s departure, there would be room for a new player in the center.

Photo: IMAGO

At RSC Anderlecht, de Cat has recently established himself as a regular and played in 46 competitive matches last season. At the end of March, he even made his debut for the Belgian national team. His contract in Brussels runs through 2027.