Report: Aston Villa are in the race to sign £30m wonderkid

Aston Villa Eyeing Move to Sign 17-year-old Midfield Wonderkid

Aston Villa are accelerating plans to strengthen their long term midfield structure and the club’s interest in Anderlecht’s 17-year-old sensation Nathan De Cat underlines that ambition. The Belgian prospect has risen rapidly through Anderlecht’s ranks and, as CaughtOffside reported, he is already attracting attention from Tottenham, Brighton, and Bayern Munich.

The piece notes that De Cat, who has made 15 league appearances in the Jupiler Pro League this season, has quickly become a regular for both Anderlecht and Belgium’s U19s. One source says: “He has already established himself as a regular in Anderlecht’s first team” and that captures the confidence Anderlecht have placed in him at such a young age.

Rising Talent With a Growing Market

De Cat has been compared to Manchester City’s Rodri for his tactical intelligence and ability to dictate rhythm from deep. According to CaughtOffside, both player representatives and club insiders believe negotiations could start if a suitable offer arrives, despite Anderlecht’s outward insistence that the youngster stays until 2027.

The report adds: “Sources close to the club indicate that a £30 million (€35m) package, including performance related add ons, would meet their record sale ambitions.” Villa are described as preparing a structured proposal in the region of €22 to €25 million upfront, with a significant sell on percentage included. As one intermediary told CaughtOffside, “Villa see him as the perfect long term partner for Boubacar Kamara.”

Photo: IMAGO

Competition Intensifies Across Europe

Tottenham’s interest is driven by sporting director Johan Lange, who has been pushing consistently for talks, while Brighton have already made contact. Bayern Munich have been monitoring the situation for months and remain in communication with the player’s representatives, although the German champions are expected to act only if Premier League negotiations accelerate.

The growing competition indicates just how highly De Cat is valued across Europe. An additional quote from one source summarises the situation well: “If one of the English clubs moves first, Bayern may have no choice but to reconsider their summer plan.”

Transfer Structures Under Debate

Two potential deal formats are currently being discussed. One is a permanent transfer with a loan back to Anderlecht for the rest of the season and the other is a loan with a mandatory purchase clause in the summer window. CaughtOffside reports that Villa prefer the first approach, ensuring that De Cat continues his development in Belgium while aligning with their long term squad planning. As one club figure put it: “We want him ready for the next stage at exactly the right time.”

This pursuit shows a clear shift in Villa’s recruitment strategy towards securing elite potential early. With Premier League competition building and Bayern waiting in reserve, January could be decisive.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From the perspective of an excited Aston Villa supporter, this report lands like a statement of intent. Fans have become used to smart recruitment under Unai Emery, but chasing a 17 year old who is being compared to Rodri feels like another level. Seeing CaughtOffside confirm interest from Bayern, Spurs, and Brighton only heightens the excitement because it signals that Villa are now competing in markets they were nowhere near only a few years ago.

The idea of pairing De Cat with Boubacar Kamara is especially thrilling. Supporters have been crying out for a long term midfield structure, something that can anchor European campaigns and push Villa into the Premier League’s elite. De Cat fits that blueprint perfectly. His 15 appearances this season at such a young age show maturity and bravery, two traits Villa fans love.

The proposed deal structure, particularly the permanent transfer with a loan back, also feels sensible. It allows the player to develop without pressure while giving Villa an early claim on a future star. Many fans would see this as a repeat of the club’s habit of planning a squad years ahead rather than reacting window by window.

If Villa can beat Tottenham and Bayern to his signature, supporters will treat it as proof that the club’s project under Emery is turning into something genuinely special.