Barcelona identifies its priority for January, but it becomes complicated

Ruud Nijstad, Dutch central defender, 18 years old, from FC Twente, is back on the radar of FC Barcelona for the winter transfer market. However, the Dutch club has set its price at 20 million euros and is not willing to lower its demands. Erik ten Hag, the technical director of Twente, maintains a firm stance regarding the interest from Barcelona.

According to SPORT, Barça is preparing a new offensive for the defender after having attempted to include him in the previous summer. The operation is conditioned by the economic demands of the Enschede club, which renewed the player's contract until June 30, 2029.

Pardon, Ruud Nijstad?! 😱 #camtwe https://t.co/40bFOacl6M

— ESPN NL (@ESPNnl) August 30, 2026

Ruud Nijstad: FC Twente demands 20 million from Barcelona

The main obstacle to signing Ruud Nijstad is his price. FC Twente demands approximately 20 million euros, an amount that Barcelona's sports management considers too high for an 18-year-old player who is still consolidating in the elite.

The Dutch club's position is backed by his contract. Nijstad renewed during the summer of 2026 until 2029, allowing Twente to negotiate without the pressure of an impending contract expiration. The Manchester United wants to steal a signing from Barcelona.

In addition, Erik ten Hag already rejected an initial approach from Barcelona during the previous market. According to reports at the time from the Dutch press, Barcelona proposed around 8 million euros, which was insufficient to convince the club.

The interest is not limited to the Catalan club. Ten Hag recently acknowledged that several clubs among the top eight in Europe had inquired about the central defender. Information has also emerged in England linking the player with Manchester United and other Premier League teams.

Twente's valuation would also set a sales record for the entity. Its 20 million euros would surpass the 14 million it received from the transfer of Dusan Tadic to Southampton.

Image

Hansi Flick wants to strengthen Barcelona's defense

The interest in Ruud Nijstad responds to the defensive needs of the team led by Hansi Flick. The German coach recently acknowledged that he was discussing with Deco the possibility of signing another central defender during the upcoming January market.

The profile of the Dutch player fits that search. Nijstad is left-footed, stands around 1.95 meters tall, and stands out for his ability to initiate plays from defense. Additionally, this season he has accumulated 11 matches and one goal in the Eredivisie, figures that have increased his exposure in the market.

For Hansi Flick, the arrival of another central defender would allow for more options alongside Pau Cubarsí, Gerard Martín, and Andreas Christensen, especially considering that Eric García and Jules Koundé also play roles at right back.

The sports management is keeping other options open. One of them is Youri Baas, defender of Ajax, although reports from the Netherlands indicate his financial demands are around 34 million euros.

The next move will fall to Barcelona, which must decide whether to improve its proposal during January 2027 or postpone the operation. Ruud Nijstad remains tied to Twente until 2029, while Ten Hag maintains his demand of 20 million euros. Without an offer approaching that amount, his departure during the winter seems complicated.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El Barcelona señala su prioridad para enero, pero se complica