Barcelona transfer target reveals desire to play alongside Pau Cubarsi: ‘The ultimate goal’ | OneFootball

Barcelona may not sign Ruud Nijstad this summer, but the highly-rated Dutch defender has admitted that representing the Blaugrana remains one of his biggest ambitions. 

The recent Barcelona transfer news has brought the 18-year-old into focus once again after he confirmed the Catalan club’s interest and revealed his dream of one day forming a centre-back partnership with Pau Cubarsi.

It must be remembered that Ruud Nijstad’s Barcelona move came close to becoming reality earlier this year. 

In fact, the left-footed defender had emerged as one of the club’s preferred long-term options. However, financial considerations ultimately prevented a deal from being completed.

Ruud Nijstad confirms Barcelona transfer interest

Weeks after the transfer fell through, the FC Twente defender has now admitted that the possibility of joining the Blaugrana was genuine before he decided to continue his development in the Eredivisie.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ruud Nijstad (@ruudnijstad)

Barcelona’s scouting department viewed Nijstad as one of the brightest defensive prospects in Dutch football. 

Despite that interest, however, FC Twente’s asking price of around €8 million was considered too high for a player who would initially be viewed as a future investment. 

As a result, Nijstad signed a new contract with the Dutch club until 2029 and Reflecting on the decision, the teenager admitted,

“I really did have my doubts. Going abroad was a leap of faith, and PSV was also an option because it’s been the best club in the Netherlands in recent years. 

“I found it really very difficult. I listened above all to the advice of my parents, my agents, my girlfriend and some of my team-mates,” he said, as per SPORT.

Nijstad names Cubarsi as his dream Barcelona teammate

Nijstad wants to play alongside Cubarsi. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Although the transfer did not materialise, the young defender has made it clear that his long-term objective has not changed.

Speaking about his ambitions, Nijstad admitted that wearing the Barcelona shirt alongside one of the club’s brightest young stars would represent the perfect scenario.

“Playing for FC Barcelona and forming a centre-back partnership with Cubarsi would, of course, be the ultimate goal.”

For now, however, Nijstad believes staying at FC Twente is the best decision for his development.

“But first I want to continue developing at FC Twente. I still have a great deal to learn here,” he commented.