Leonino exclusive, Sporting take fresh stance on Nathan De Cat | OneFootball

Sporting’s interest in Nathan De Cat has cooled in recent weeks, Leonino has learned. The young Anderlecht midfielder remains highly rated at Alvalade, but the Lions’ officials believe that the financial demands attached to the young Belgian international make any potential deal unlikely at this stage.

Despite continuing to be monitored by several European clubs, including Bayer Leverkusen, Leipzig and Bayern Munich, the player is no longer a priority target on the green-and-whites’ list for midfield reinforcements. The SAD led by Frederico Varandas is currently focused on other options considered more affordable and more likely to be completed in the short term.

As for Nathan De Cat, Anderlecht remains intent on securing a very significant fee for one of the biggest prospects to come through Belgian youth development. The Brussels club is asking for between €20 million and €25 million, a figure that is putting off several interested clubs and complicating any attempt by Sporting to move forward with negotiations.

The Lions’ structure continues to prepare for the future of the midfield, anticipating possible changes to the squad. Morten Hjulmand’s departure remains on the table and the Lions continue to keep a close eye on the market, but at this moment their attention is more focused on João Palhinha and Sergi Altimira.

In the 2025/26 season, playing for Anderlecht, Nathan De Cat – valued at €27 million – made 46 official appearances. In the 3,420 minutes he was on the pitch, the 17-year-old midfielder scored three goals and provided five assists.

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