On 10 July 2026 Hoffenheim signed 17‑year‑old Nathan De Cat from RSC Anderlecht. The central midfielder agreed to a long‑term contract, the exact duration was not disclosed. Media estimate the transfer fee at around €20 million, making De Cat the most expensive signing in the club's history.
Andreas Schicker, Hoffenheim's sporting director, called De Cat one of the biggest talents in his position across Europe. The Belgian made his professional debut in the Europa League at 16 against Fenerbahçe in 2025. Last season he logged 46 competitive matches for Anderlecht and earned his senior Belgium debut in a March friendly versus the United States.
Hoffenheim currently sits 5th in the Bundesliga with 61 points after 34 games (18 wins, 7 draws, 9 losses) and has scored 65 goals while conceding 52 (+13 goal difference) this season. The club is 28 points behind leaders Bayern Munich. Schicker stressed that De Cat will receive the trust and time needed to shows his abilities at Bundesliga level and continue developing.
The signing could inject fresh energy into Hoffenheim's midfield as they push for a top‑five finish. De Cat's experience in international competitions and his youth promise long‑term growth. Analysts expect a gradual integration into the starting eleven over the coming months, bolstering both attacking thrust and defensive stability.
