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Manchester City are reportedly tracking one of Belgium’s brightest young prospects ahead of the summer transfer window, with teenage midfielder Nathan De Cat emerging as a serious target for Pep Guardiola’s long term rebuild.
The 17 year old Anderlecht talent has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in Belgian football and is now attracting interest from several elite European clubs. Manchester City are believed to be among the sides most impressed by his development, particularly because of his technical ability, positional intelligence and maturity on the ball at such a young age.
De Cat primarily operates as a defensive midfielder but has also shown he can play in more advanced central roles when required. Standing at 6 foot 3, he combines physical presence with composure in possession, something City value highly in midfield players. His style has already drawn comparisons to a young Rodri because of his calm distribution and ability to control the tempo of matches.
Statistics from the 2025 and 2026 season underline why the interest is growing so quickly. Across all competitions for Anderlecht, De Cat has made 38 appearances, scoring three goals and registering five assists. In the Belgian Pro League alone, he has played 29 matches, contributing two goals and four assists while completing more than 76 percent of his passes. He has also averaged over one key pass per game and nearly one and a half successful dribbles every 90 minutes.
Perhaps most impressive is how quickly he has become a regular starter despite still being only 17. De Cat has started 28 league matches this season and already looks comfortable against experienced senior opposition. His performances in European qualification matches have further boosted his reputation, with scouts from multiple Premier League clubs regularly attending Anderlecht fixtures in recent months.
Manchester City’s interest also fits their wider strategy of securing elite young talent before market values explode. The club have invested heavily in emerging players across Europe in recent years, and De Cat is viewed internally as someone who could develop into a first team option over time rather than simply another academy signing.
