Chelsea and Manchester City receive encouragement to sign FC Twente’s Ruud Nijstad in the summer.
The 18-year-old has caught the attention of a few European clubs, including Chelsea and Manchester City.
Earlier this week, Sport Witness covered claims from the Dutch press that Chelsea want to bring him to the Premier League.
The same report stated the Blues plan to buy him and immediately send him back on loan to Twente. There was no mention of Manchester City.
The Eredivisie side promoted the centre-back to the first team in October and has been a regular since then.
His league stats this season are as follows:
Appearances: 16
Starts: 13
Total minutes: 1,251
Minutes per game: 78
Chelsea and Manchester City follow player
As well as the Club World Cup winners and Pep Guardiola’s side, Barcelona are also in the mix.
That’s according to ESPN NL, who report of Chelsea, Manchester City and the La Liga side all are showing interest in Ruud Nijstad.
ESPN NL also had a chat with the Netherlands U19 international to get his views on these clubs’ interest.
Responding to that, he said: “I try to focus mainly on what I can influence, and that is winning matches.”
At the same time, the Dutchman admits these claims do impact him and will let his agent and family take care of his future.
“We’ll see at the end of the season. I’m able to block that out pretty well and leave it to my parents and management. I focus on the soccer. Of course, it does affect you, because it’s cool when a big club calls,” Nijstad explained.
The defender admits he will either sign an extension or change clubs after this season.
“It’s either extend or leave, I think,” he added.
Contract, value and agent info
Ruud Nijstad talks about the possibility of leaving Twente after this season because his contract expires in 2027. His rise this season increases his value as Transfermarkt now value him at €8m.
Dutch agency Essel Sports Management are representing the defender. Agents Steinar Dietz and Bas Schothorst, along with his family, will decide where the youngster will play next season.