Manchester City to compete with Premier League rivals for Dutch talent as Barcelona withdraw | OneFootball

Talent spotters at Manchester City have a keen eye on Netherlands talent Ruud Nijstad and are ready to challenge rivals for his signature, according to reports.

In recent times, City have shown a willingness to recruit and develop young defenders in the hope of nurturing their skills and helping them develop into crucial features of the first team set-up in the coming years.

This was particularly evident during the winter window of 2025, as Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis were brought to Manchester for a combined fee of £62.9 million, emphasising the club’s focus on developing youth prospects in defensive areas.

Now, according to the information of TEAMTALK, the next starlet whom Hugo Viana and Pep Guardiola may look to add to their extensive list of promising young names could be another defender in 18-year-old centre-back, Ruud Nijstad.

The FC Twente man has emerged as one of Europe’s most highly regarded teenage defenders after breaking into the first team this term, and his performances have caught the attention of a multitude of elite recruitment departments.

Catalan giants Barcelona have previously appeared to be the most eager to secure the teenager’s signature and have been pushing hard to bring the defender to Spain. However, it is claimed that the La Liga outfit have been reluctant to go beyond a valuation of €10 million.

Nijstad himself is claimed to have been unconvinced with the project presented to him by those in Catalunya, raising questions on whether joining Hansi Flick’s side would truly benefit his career.

It is seemingly that hesitation that opened a window of opportunity for top sides across the continent, including Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig. Although the most significant interest seems to be coming from the Premier League, as – according to reports – Chelsea owners BlueCo and the City Football Group are both keeping tabs on the player.

Tottenham, Aston Villa, Newcastle, Brighton and Brentford have also tracked Nijstad, with several clubs sending scouts on several occasions to verify whether his early-season form is sustainable.

Despite the fact the 18-year-old only made his senior debut this season, the left-sided centre-half has excelled and impressed those observing him with his composure, maturity and decision-making, all of which are qualities that are pivotal for his position but rare at his age.

Nijstad is currently under contract with Twente until 2027, and the Eredivisie outfit are pushing to secure him on a new long-term deal. However, this may prove challenging with Europe’s elite competing for the signature of their starlet.