Chelsea Sought to Sign and Loan Nathan Dekat; Hoffenheim Secures Deal with €70 Million Release Clause
German outlet Bild reports that Hoffenheim has signed 18-year-old Belgian midfielder Nathan Dekat from Anderlecht for up to €20 million, beating interest from top clubs including Chelsea, Manchester City, Dortmund, and PSG. Chelsea had planned to sign him permanently and loan him to partner club Strasbourg. Dekat, already a Belgian national team player with over 50 professional appearances, is considered one of Europe's most talented midfielders, comparable to Jude Bellingham. His five-year contract with Hoffenheim runs until 2031 and includes a €70 million release clause that activates in summer 2027. The club expects him to eventually move to the Premier League, potentially becoming their most expensive sale, surpassing the €50 million record set by Bazoumana Touré's transfer to Newcastle United.
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