Barcelona Transfer Target Admits Dream of Partnering Pau Cubarsi at Camp Nou
Barcelona may have missed out on signing Ruud Nijstad this summer, but the talented Dutch defender has made it clear that his ambition of wearing the Blaugrana shirt remains very much alive.
The 18-year-old FC Twente centre-back has openly acknowledged Barcelona's interest in him and revealed that his ultimate career goal is to one day line up alongside Pau Cubarsi in the heart of the Catalan club's defence.
Although a move failed to materialise during the current transfer window, Nijstad's latest comments are likely to keep him firmly on Barcelona's radar.
Barcelona Came Close to Signing Nijstad
Barcelona had identified Nijstad as one of Europe's most promising young defenders and viewed him as a long-term investment for the future.
The left-footed centre-back impressed the club's scouting department with his composure on the ball, defensive intelligence and ability to build attacks from deep, qualities that fit perfectly with Barcelona's traditional style of play.
However, negotiations ultimately stalled because of financial considerations.
FC Twente reportedly valued the youngster at around €8 million, a figure Barcelona were reluctant to pay for a player who was not expected to immediately join the first-team squad.
As a result, the transfer collapsed and Nijstad committed his future to the Dutch side by signing a new contract that runs until 2029.
Defender Confirms Barcelona Interest Was Genuine
Speaking about the transfer speculation, Nijstad admitted that joining Barcelona was a real possibility and confessed that making a decision about his future was far from straightforward.
The teenager explained that moving abroad at such a young age represented a major step in his career, while Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven were also among the clubs interested in signing him.
After weighing his options carefully and consulting those closest to him, Nijstad decided that remaining at FC Twente would provide the best environment for his development.
He revealed:
"I really did have my doubts. Going abroad was a leap of faith, and PSV was also an option because it's been the best club in the Netherlands in recent years. I found it really very difficult. I listened above all to the advice of my parents, my agents, my girlfriend and some of my team-mates."
Pau Cubarsi Partnership Is His Ultimate Dream
Although he chose to stay in the Eredivisie, Nijstad has not hidden where he hopes his career will eventually lead.
The young defender admitted that representing Barcelona remains one of his biggest ambitions, while revealing the player he dreams of partnering in central defence.
Speaking about his long-term objective, Nijstad said:
"Playing for FC Barcelona and forming a centre-back partnership with Cubarsi would, of course, be the ultimate goal."
The statement reflects the growing reputation of Pau Cubarsi, who has quickly established himself as one of Europe's most exciting young defenders despite his age.
Development Comes First
Despite his admiration for Barcelona, Nijstad insists he is fully focused on continuing his progress with FC Twente.
The Dutch defender believes regular first-team football will help him mature before considering a move to one of Europe's elite clubs.
He concluded:
"But first I want to continue developing at FC Twente. I still have a great deal to learn here."
While Barcelona were unable to complete the transfer this summer, Nijstad's comments suggest the door remains open for a future move. If the defender continues his impressive development in the Netherlands, the Catalan giants could revisit their interest in the coming years as they continue planning for the future of their defence.