Ruud Nijstad Breaks Silence on Barcelona Interest: “I’m Happy to Be Here”
FC Twente wonderkid Ruud Nijstad has admitted that Barcelona’s interest in him was difficult to ignore, despite the Dutch club rejecting Barça’s €8 million offer during the final days of the summer transfer window.
The 18-year-old defender remained on Barcelona’s radar until the window closed, but Twente refused to sell, believing the offer did not reflect his potential.
Nijstad, who is under contract until 2029, has now opened up about the experience.
‘If Barça Wants You, It’s Wonderful’
The teenager admitted that being wanted by Barcelona was a special feeling.
“If a club like Barça wants you, it’s wonderful.”
He added:
“It’s the biggest club in the world. So, in a way, it really gets you curious.”
Barcelona’s interest quickly turned Nijstad into a major talking point in the Netherlands, with reports emerging while Twente were still competing.
Barcelona Rumours Came at a Difficult Time
The timing of the reports was particularly awkward for Nijstad.
News of Barça’s interest broke on the same day Twente travelled to face Qarabag, putting the young defender at the centre of a transfer story while he was preparing for an important match.
“I was in the news a lot. It’s funny. It was published on the very day of the away match against Qarabag.”
Despite the attention, Nijstad insisted that football remained his priority.
“We had several important matches with Twente. That had to be the number one priority.”
He admitted that he still wondered what a move to Barcelona might have been like, but left negotiations to his representatives.
Twente Refused to Let Him Leave
Barcelona's €8 million proposal was not enough to convince Twente to part with one of their most promising young defenders.
The Dutch club also have significant leverage thanks to Nijstad’s contract, which runs until 2029.
Nijstad understands why Twente chose to keep him and insists he remains fully committed to his development there.
“From the start it was clear where Twente stood on the matter. They wouldn’t let me leave. Of course. And I understand that.”
The defender also pointed out that he had recently extended his contract voluntarily because he believes Twente remains the right environment for his development.
‘I’m Happy to Be Here’
Despite the Barcelona interest, Nijstad says the failed transfer has not changed his attitude toward Twente.
“I can continue to develop here. So that’s what I have to keep doing. Carry on like this. Play a lot.”
His final message was simple:
“I’m happy to be here, and that hasn’t changed.”
For now, Nijstad remains at Twente. But after attracting serious interest from Barcelona at just 18, his name is unlikely to disappear from the transfer radar anytime soon.