Barcelona are reportedly stepping up their efforts to land FC Twente’s rising star Ruud Nijstad, with Sporting Director Deco personally overseeing the mission to bring the Dutch prodigy to Catalonia.
The Deco Strategy: Catch Them Early
According to reports from Sport and Dutch outlet Wfcgroningen, Barcelona have sent a dedicated delegation to the Netherlands to meet with Nijstad and his inner circle. The objective is clear: convince the 17-year-old defender to snub a contract extension with FC Twente and choose the “La Masia” pathway instead.
Nijstad, a towering 1.90m left-footed center-back, has become one of the most talked-about teenagers in the Eredivisie. His physical stature, combined with elite ball-playing vision, makes him the ideal profile for the “Barça DNA.”
A Defensive Tower for the Future
Currently a key figure for the Netherlands U-18 national team, Nijstad has already made his mark at the senior level this season. Despite his age, he has featured in eight matches for Twente’s first team, starting six of them across the Eredivisie and the KNVB Cup, where he also registered his first professional assist.
With his current contract set to expire in 2027, Barcelona are looking to capitalize on the 18 months remaining on his deal. The Blaugrana board is prioritizing “low-cost” high-potential transfers to navigate their financial constraints while ensuring the squad remains competitive for years to come.
The Negotiating Table
While Twente are keen to keep their academy jewel, the allure of the Camp Nou is often difficult for young players to resist. Barcelona’s plan involves either a cut-price summer transfer or a pre-contract agreement that would see the giant defender arrive as the successor to the club’s current defensive veterans.
Filepe Junior is a football writer tracking La Liga transfers, covering major signings, squad planning, and player movements across Spanish clubs.
