ROTTERDAM, Netherlands – Cédric Hatenboer is quickly becoming a name to watch in Dutch football, and his current success is raising questions back in Belgium at RSC Anderlecht. The 20-year-old midfielder, currently on loan at Telstar from Anderlecht, is impressing fans and analysts alike, leading some to wonder if the Brussels club made a mistake in letting him move.
Hatenboer’s journey has been anything but straightforward. Born in Rotterdam on March 19, 2005, he’s navigated a number of academies – VOC, Excelsior, Sparta Rotterdam (twice), Ajax, Alphense Boys, Feyenoord, and Excelsior again – before landing at Anderlecht in 2025. His path reflects a determined player seeking consistent opportunity, and it appears he’s found that at Telstar, albeit on loan.
A Difficult Start at Anderlecht
Anderlecht acquired Hatenboer from Excelsior for approximately €2.1 million, but the move didn’t initially pan out. According to reports, then-Anderlecht manager Besnik Hasi favored players with more physical presence in midfield, and Hatenboer, a technically gifted and more creative midfielder, didn’t fit that profile. He struggled to find a place in the squad, and a loan move to Telstar in January 2026 proved to be the catalyst for his development.
The loan deal included a purchase option for Telstar, reportedly around the same price Anderlecht paid for him. This presents a potential dilemma for the Belgian club: they could see a valuable asset slip through their fingers if Hatenboer continues to excel and another club makes a move.
Impressing in the Eredivisie
Hatenboer’s impact at Telstar has been immediate. He’s quickly become a key player for the team, showcasing the technical ability that was recognized during his time at Ajax, where he was once described as a “stand-out player” by former Ajax and Netherlands international Marciano Vink. Vink specifically highlighted Hatenboer’s passing range and overall technical skill.
Recent performances have drawn significant praise. Despite receiving a red card in a match against Ajax – described as “unlucky but deserved” – Hatenboer has consistently delivered strong performances. He was named to the Team of the Week following a standout showing, and reportedly impressed in a recent match against AZ. Social media is buzzing with positive reactions, with fans praising his skill and potential. One X (formerly Twitter) user wrote, “Fine footballer that Hatenboer, get him for a bargain at Anderlecht.” Another stated, “Hatenboer 🤩 #aztel,” and a third commented, “I’m impressed by Hatenboer #aztel.”
What’s Next for Hatenboer?
The question now is whether Anderlecht will reconsider their stance on Hatenboer. With a new coach potentially arriving in the summer, there’s a possibility he could be given a chance to prove himself in Brussels. However, Telstar’s purchase option looms large. If Hatenboer continues to perform at a high level, they may exercise that option and potentially sell him on to a larger club for a profit.
Hatenboer himself seems open to a return to Anderlecht, stating, “I’ve achieved my goals this season, and I hope to do the same next season with the Mauves,” hinting at his ambition to succeed at his parent club. However, his future ultimately depends on the decisions made by Anderlecht’s management and the player’s continued development.
The situation highlights the challenges of player development and the importance of finding the right fit. Hatenboer’s story is a reminder that talent alone isn’t enough; players need opportunities and a supportive environment to thrive. For Anderlecht, it’s a case of potentially letting a promising talent slip away, and a summer reassessment of his role could be crucial.
As of February 27, 2026, Hatenboer has made 6 appearances for Telstar, with no goals, while also featuring in 5 matches for RSCA Futures, again without finding the back of the net. He previously made 25 appearances for Excelsior in the 2024-2025 season, scoring one goal. His contract with Anderlecht is currently valid until June 30, 2029, but his loan deal with Telstar is set to expire at the end of the current season.
Telstar will face FC Eindhoven on March 10, 2026, at 20:00 CET. This match will provide another opportunity for Hatenboer to showcase his talent and further solidify his reputation as a rising star in Dutch football. Fans and scouts will be watching closely to see if he can continue his impressive form.
What do you think? Should Anderlecht deliver Cédric Hatenboer another chance, or will he continue his development elsewhere? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
