Barcelona keen on signing 18-year-old Dutch defender despite initial rejection | OneFootball

FC Barcelona had to navigate through this summer transfer window quite carefully. Despite making some big moves, the Catalan giants have kept their priorities consistent while ensuring that they keep an eye out for any interesting market opportunities as well.

However, it is also true that La Blaugrana have been unable to sign a new striker this summer and that their priority target remains tucked away behind a very complicated issue for them to bypass. Still, they seem to be eager to indulge in another operation before the window closes.

According to Voetbal International, Barcelona is now interested in the possibility of acquiring 18-year-old central defender Ruud Nijstad and have made contact with FC Twente regarding him. Currently a player in the Eredivisie, the Dutch defender is certainly a talent to keep an eye on given how keen Barça seems to be on bringing him to the Camp Nou this summer.

Last season, he featured in 21 games for his club in the First Division over in the Netherlands and helped them finish in fourth place in the league. Known for his exceptional passing range, the left-footed centre-back is undeniably a great talent.

However, it would appear that Erik ten Hag, who is currently the sporting director at FC Twente, is not in favour of losing the defender just yet. He has reportedly closed the door on a transfer with an immediate rejection, but Barcelona might not be done just yet.

In fact, the update claims that Barça could potentially return to the table with another bid with better guarantees. As of right now, however, FC Twente remain protective of their asset and it is understandable considering just how special the young talent is.

However, with other Dutch clubs interested in the player as well, perhaps Barcelona would not be a bad destination for him to go to from Twente’s perspective. For now, Nijstad continues his development in the Netherlands, but Barça could soon enter the picture again before the end of the window. After all, the Catalan club does reportedly want to bring in another defender