With four games left in the Eredivisie season, Nijstad is focusing on helping Twente's push to finish second and qualify for the Champions League, or at the very least make it into the Europa League. But it is clear that his next move is already on his mind. He is under contract with Twente until 2027, meaning the club can either sell him for a modest transfer fee this summer - reportedly around €8 million - or risk him departing next year for nothing.
He put it in plain terms in a recent interview with ESPN: "It’s either extend my contract or leave, I think. I do have some idea of what I'll do, but as things stand now, I am an FC Twente player. I can shut myself off from that pretty well and leave it to my parents and management. I focus on the football. I consider myself level-headed and remain calm about the situation. Things are indeed moving fast, faster than expected, but I am happy with the minutes I am getting and hope to continue like this."
His coach John van den Brom is convinced he is destined for the top. "Good things come quickly," he said. "Ruud has undergone tremendous development. He is a lovely lad and a huge talent. He has a lot of potential to make it. For me, he belongs in the top five of the most talented players of my coaching career."