Tottenham face big battle to sign Anderlecht sensation often compared to Arsenal’s Declan Rice

Tottenham are planning to raid the Belgian market for a highly-rated teenage midfielder.

Tottenham Hotspur are hoping to be proactive in the summer transfer window as they look to revamp their squad after back-to-back disastrous domestic campaigns. Several gaps in the squad need to be addressed after the North Londoners achieve safety in the Premier League.

Among the many problems this season, the most notable one has been the lack of a tempo-controlling midfielder. Tottenham signed Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid in the winter transfer window, but he doesn’t fall into that category, while Yves Bissouma is out of contract at the end of the campaign. Archie Gray has been Spurs’ standout performer since the turn of the year, but the injury crisis has seen him operate in different areas of the pitch.

With no decision taken on Joao Palhinha’s future, the North Londoners must ensure they sign a new midfielder who can grow in the team and compete for a place in the first XI.

Tottenham interested in Anderlecht talent

According to an exclusive report from Fussball Daten, Tottenham could battle Manchester United and several Bundesliga clubs for the signing of Anderlecht prodigy Nathan De Cat. The Premier League duo were recently present for Anderlecht’s derby against Club Brugge to watch the young midfielder.

Nathan De Cat is the next big thing to emerge from Anderlecht’s famed youth system. The 17-year-old, often compared to Arsenal’s Declan Rice, is shining for Anderlecht in his first full season at the senior level, catching the eye with a series of commanding performances in the middle of the park that belie his tender years. He has made 37 appearances in all competitions so far this term, chipping in with three goals and five assists.

The Belgium Under-18 international is emerging as a fantastic deep-lying playmaker, displaying remarkable technical ability and tactical maturity. De Cat is a press-resistant midfielder who likes to sit in front of the back four, dictate the tempo of the game and make line-breaking passes. The teenage sensation, standing at 6ft 3ins tall, rarely gets flustered in pressure situations, and his displays in an Anderlecht shirt have caught the attention of many European clubs.

The report adds De Cat could cost around €35 million in the summer, but if he gets a surprise call-up to Belgium’s World Cup squad, that price will certainly soar.

A smart long-term investment for Spurs

Spurs would do well if they manage to sign De Cat in the summer. They were interested in signing him in the winter window, but De Cat decided to stay with his boyhood club.

At just 17, he is set to complete his breakout season with Anderlecht. The midfielder has impressed in the Jupiler Pro League, but as he is about to enter the final year of his contract (Transfermarkt) in the summer and with no renewal in sight, it is likely that the Belgian giants will be forced to sell their valuable asset for a cut-price fee to avoid losing him on a free transfer in 2027.

Having drummed up plenty of transfer interest, Tottenham might struggle to compete with Europe’s elites for the highly-rated De Cat’s signature. The only factor that could tempt the 17-year-old to join the North Londoners over other clubs is their commitment to youth development, provided the club stays in the top flight.