Nathan de Cat chooses Hoffenheim over BVB and Stuttgart

The 18‑year‑old Belgian U21 international Nathan de Cat explained why he turned down offers from Borussia Dortmund and VfB Stuttgart and instead, last summer, completed a move from RSC Anderlecht to TSG Hoffenheim for a transfer fee of 17 million euros plus possible bonuses.

Reasons for the decision

"The people involved here were extremely important to me. And of course the prospect of playing time. For a young player, the most important thing is to collect as many minutes as possible," said de Cat, emphasizing that the prospect of regular appearances was paramount.

He added: "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. And why shouldn't I eventually play in the Champions League with Hoffenheim?"

With a current market value of over 25 million euros, de Cat stresses that the large sums do not concern him: "Honestly, that number doesn't really interest me. I just want to play football and enjoy the time with my teammates." The pressure he feels at his age is normal, but the enjoyment of the game remains his main concern.

Life in the Kraichgau region

De Cat moved with his father into a house in Nußloch and set up a shared flat there. "I think he will definitely stay with me here for the first year, and then we'll see what comes next," he explained, noting that family support is crucial for settling in.

The move from the million‑city Brussels to the quiet Kraichgau region appeals to him: "It's really very quiet here, the people are completely relaxed. As a footballer you can simply go for a walk without anyone constantly noticing you." He sees this tranquility as the perfect setting for his development.

So far, de Cat has made four league appearances for Hoffenheim, most recently in the Bundesliga, but he has gone two matches in a row without playing. He emphasizes that he continues to seek playing time in order to collect as many minutes as possible and keep improving.