FC Twente prodigy Ruud Nijstad breaks silence on Barcelona interest: ‘I’m happy to be here’ | OneFootball

Ruud Nijstad has admitted that Barcelona’s interest in him was “quite special” despite Twente rejecting the Catalan club’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 closing stages of the window, but Twente ultimately decided that the proposal did not reflect Nijstad’s value or potential.

As a result, the Dutch teenager remains with the Eredivisie club, where he is contracted until 2029.

As such, speaking a week after the window closed, the defender made no attempt to hide his excitement at being wanted by one of football’s biggest clubs.

“If a club like Barça wants you, it’s wonderful,” he said.

“It’s the biggest club in the world. So, in a way, it really gets you curious,” added Nijstad, as per Mundo Deportivo.

Barcelona interest left a lasting impression on Nijstad

Nijstad suddenly found himself in the spotlight while Twente were still competing in important matches. 

Ruud Nijstad has addressed Barcelona rumours. (Photo by Mateo Villalba Sanchez/Getty Images for DFB)

Reports about Barcelona’s interest emerged on the same day as the club’s away fixture against Qarabag, placing the teenager in the middle of a transfer story just as his attention needed to remain on football.

“I was in the news a lot. It’s funny. It was published on the very day of the away match against Qarabag. 

“I think it was through you lot, wasn’t it? The timing wasn’t ideal for me. But that’s part of football; you have to deal with it,” said the player.

For an 18-year-old still establishing himself, the sudden attention could easily have become a distraction.

Nijstad insists he tried to keep his priorities in the right order.

“We had several important matches against Twente. That had to be the number one priority. But whenever I could, I’d think about it. What would it be like? 

“Barcelona… If a club like that wants you, it’s wonderful. I know there’s been contact between the clubs. As for the rest, I leave it all to my agent.”

Twente made their position clear

EFC Twente were reluctant to sell Ruud Nijstad. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)

Barcelona’s €8m offer was ultimately rejected because Twente did not believe it was enough to part with one of their most promising young defenders.

Nijstad’s existing contract runs until 2029, giving the Dutch club considerable control over his future. 

Twente also believe his potential could translate into a considerably larger market value, particularly with Premier League clubs known for investing heavily in emerging talent.

“Every now and then I’d find out how things were going, that’s all. And from the start it was clear where Twente stood on the matter. 

“They wouldn’t let me leave. Of course. And I understand that. I extended my contract voluntarily myself because I can continue to develop here. So that’s what I have to keep doing. 

“Carry on like this. Play a lot. I’m happy to be here, and that hasn’t changed,” he concluded.