FC Barcelona interest in FC Twente defender Ruud Nijstad, Digi Mart USA News: FC Barcelona has not let go of Ruud Nijstad, according to a report. The Catalan club made an attempt for the FC Twente talent last summer but did not reach an agreement at that time.
SPORT expects Barcelona to return to Enschede in January. Coach Hansi Flick’s side has been dealing with defensive problems for some time and is looking for a long-term solution, and Nijstad is reportedly high on the wish list of Barcelona’s technical leadership.
However, a transfer is not expected to be straightforward. According to the reports, signing Nijstad would be no simple task.
Barcelona is said to be keen on the player but would reportedly have to spend heavily.
FC Twente is reportedly demanding 20 million euros for Nijstad, who is under contract until mid-2029 after signing a new deal last summer. Barcelona is reportedly unwilling to pay that amount, which has been described as excessive for a player of his age.
The fee would represent a new transfer record for the club, surpassing the 14 million euros paid for Dusan Tadic when he moved to Southampton.
A possible departure of Alejandro Balde could create room for Barcelona. The defender has fallen out of the first-team plans and was previously linked with Manchester United.
Ajax defender Youri Baas is considered an alternative to Nijstad, the report says, although Ajax is reportedly demanding as much as 34 million euros for him.
