Nathan De Cat faces a prolonged battle for minutes at TSG Hoffenheim after turning down Borussia Dortmund and VfB Stuttgart last summer, as reported by Voetbalkrant.com. The 18-year-old midfielder left RSC Anderlecht in a transfer valued at 17 million euros according to Voetbalkrant.com—and 18,5 million euros according to VoetbalPrimeur.be—signing a five-year contract with the Bundesliga club based on promises of development and playing time that have yet to materialize.
Nathan De Cat Explains Why He Rejected Borussia Dortmund
Speaking to BILD, De Cat addressed his high-profile summer decision to bypass larger German suitors like Borussia Dortmund and VfB Stuttgart. “The people who make the decisions here were enormously important to me. And of course the prospect of playing minutes. For a young player, the most important thing is to gather as many minutes as possible,” the Belgian midfielder said, as detailed by Voetbalkrant.com. He added that Hoffenheim represented the right step at the right time, even joking that the club could one day compete in the UEFA Champions League. VoetbalPrimeur.be noted that the player emphasized the human aspect and personal environment during negotiations.
Limited Playing Time Tests the Midfielder After Big-Money Move
Despite those stated career assurances, competitive minutes have been scarce in the early weeks of the German season. Voetbalkrant.com reported that De Cat has logged only 32 minutes across two Bundesliga appearances in the opening four matchdays, remaining on the bench for the full ninety minutes against VfB Stuttgart and Paderborn. VoetbalPrimeur.be put his league total slightly lower at 30 minutes across two substitute appearances, confirming he was an unused substitute in the subsequent two league fixtures. Opportunities have been largely restricted to cup competitions, where he earned a starting berth and played 60 minutes in the German Cup against Erzgebirge Aue, alongside a near-hour appearance against OFI Kreta in the UEFA Europa League, according to Voetbalkrant.com.
International Absence Compounds Club Frustrations
The adjustment period in Germany is mirrored on the international stage. Under youth coach Gill Swerts, he received only 13 minutes against Belarus and remained on the bench against Wales. The national youth setup currently favors Arthur Vermeeren, Kamiel Van de Perre, and Arthur Piedfort in central midfield, compounding a challenging autumn for the teenager following his breakout campaign in Brussels.
Development Path Remains Unchanged Despite Early Hurdles
Neither the club-level benchings nor the international omissions have shaken the player’s long-term conviction. Voetbalkrant.com confirmed that De Cat views Hoffenheim as a vital stepping stone in his career progression, designed to prepare him for a future leap to an elite European tier. While the transition from the Jupiler Pro League to the demanding pace of German football requires patience, the midfielder remains committed to earning his place under the current technical staff once he adapts to the physical and tactical demands of his new surroundings.
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