Bayern will keep close eye on Belgium midfielder | OneFootball

Bayern Munich are keeping a close eye on Hoffenheim midfielder Nathan De Cat. 

The German champions are always on the lookout for exciting young players in the Bundesliga, and abroad, and it is a part of their transfer strategy to sign top young talents.

De Cat plays as a defensive midfielder for Hoffenheim, and has joined in the summer window from Anderlecht for a fee of €20m.

Bayern Munich keep close eye on Nathan De Cat

The Bavarian giants have already signed Nathaniel Brown and Ismael Saibari, and no concrete movement is expected unless they sell some of the current players.

Bayern are well stocked in their midfield department. Despite losing Leon Goretzka for free, Vincent Kompany does not feel the need to sign another midfielder.

In fact, when Tottenham refused to sign Palhinha permanently, Bayern are more than willing to sell him this summer, rather than give him another opportunity.

Christian Falk explains to CFBayern Insider that that reason being Kompany is putting his faith on Tom Bischof. Last season, Bischof played as left-back in most games, but central midfield is his natural position, and that is where he is expected to feature heavily this season.

Just like, they watched Bischof for a while before signing him, the same will be applied for De Cat. He is only 17, and Bayern can follow him closely, now that he will be playing in the Bundesliga, rather than in rest of Europe.

Falk said: “Nathan De Cat is an interesting player. Bayern have watched him for months, but I always said there wouldn’t be any movement as the club is fully stocked with players in the Belgian’s position.

“This is why they now have the chance to see how the teenager will develop in the Bundesliga with Hoffenheim. One of the players who is considered a talent for the future, Tom Bischof, is from Hoffenheim. FC Bayern had kept a watching brief on the footballer and were convinced they had to sign him. I’m absolutely sure that the 21-year-old will be a national player in Germany in the future. 

“I’m sure there’s the same process going on at Bayern with De Cat. They know he has the skills they’re looking for, but at the moment, the midfield position is not a problem. So, it’s good they can keep an eye on the 17-year-old at Hoffenheim while he’s in the Bundesliga, instead of in the international market.”

Arijon Ibrahimovic to get more opportunities?

Talking of Bischof, another player who could get more opportunities this season under Kompany is Arijon Ibrahimovic, who will be seen as main options for back up attackers.

Falk explains: “It is TRUE: Bayern plan on using Arijon Ibrahimović to back up the four main attackers. It’s an opportunity. It’s the same as what they’ve done with Noël Aséko (who has the same management). They’ve also tried to bring Aséko into the squad to see how he gets on before potentially giving him away. However, Frankfurt came in fast with an offer, which is why there are now negotiations. Bayern Munich would like to have a fee of €12m, but Frankfurt says they don’t have the money for this kind of deal. But Bayern know they have the money, as they paid €55m already for Brown! 

“They have to create money, and if such a talent, like Aséko, has an offer, they will discuss it. The same goes for Jonathan Asp Jensen, who was the subject of an offer from Deportivo La Coruña. Bayern Munich has the idea of €7m for him. Let’s say Bayern get €10m for Aséko, €7m for Jensen, and then you have Ibrahimović, who also has a market. Bayern think it’s good to keep this talent, as they need backup options for this position. However, if there’s a good offer on the table, Bayern Munich will discuss that! So, let’s keep an eye on things as the window progresses. At the moment, it seems like Arijon Ibrahimović will stay, but I think there could be some movement here as well.”