Report: 18-year-old defensive talent pushing for Barcelona move on transfer deadline day | OneFootball

The 2026 summer transfer window will slam shut at midnight tonight, and FC Barcelona remain active in the market in the final hours.

The sporting department, led by director Deco, is working on the signing of a new left-footed centre-back to further improve the squad at manager Hansi Flick’s disposal.

As already reported, FC Twente youngster Ruud Nijstad has emerged as the preferred option for the La Liga champions.

The Catalans are looking for a specific profile – left-footed, young with immense potential and room for improvement, and a player who is comfortable with the ball at his feet.

Nijstad ticks all these boxes, which is why Deco and Barcelona are stepping up their efforts to sign the youngster on deadline day.

Nijstand wants to join Barcelona

Now, according to Mundo Deportivo, Nijstad is pushing hard to leave Twente, aware that an opportunity to join Barcelona may not come around again.

Nijstadn has emerged as a key target for Barcelona. (Photo by Mateo Villalba Sanchez/Getty Images for DFB)

The 18-year-old centre-back, who stands at 1.95m tall, is under contract until 2029 and Twente consider him an important player, which is why they have rejected Barcelona’s €8 million offer.

As per reports, the Eredivisie outfit value him at €10 million, meaning that the two clubs are separated only by €2 million at this point.

And, with the player’s backing, Barça hope to find a solution before the transfer window closes.

Plans changed

Even before the summer transfer window opened, Barcelona had made the signing of a left-footed centre-back a top priority and had identified Alessandro Bastoni of Inter Milan as their priority target.

Deco pushing for Nijstad. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

However, Flick vetoed a move for the Italian international as he had concerns about him fitting into the team’s tactical setup, while also being perfectly happy with Gerard Martin’s performances.

But the departures of Ronald Araujo and Alvaro Cortes changed things for Barcelona, reopening the file for a new centre-back.

As mentioned previously, though, Flick and Deco have been particular about the profile they were looking, which is why Nijstad has jumped to the top of the club’s wishlist on deadline day.

With not much time left before the transfer window closes, it remains to be seen if Barcelona can get their man.