ENSCHEDE, NETHERLANDS - AUGUST 16: Ruud Nijstad of FC Twente celebrating the 3-1 win during the Dutch Eredivsie match between FC Twente and PEC Zwolle at De Grolsch Veste Stadium on August 16, 2026 in Enschede, Netherlands. (Photo by MTB/MB Media/Getty Images)
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Gill Clark Gill Clark is the site manager of Barca Blaugranes and joined in 2017. She has worked in sports media as a writer and editor for the best part of two decades and has been in love with the beautiful game for as long as she can remember.
FC Twente defender Ruud Nijstad says it’s “wonderful” to be linked with a transfer to Barcelona and says the Catalan giants have been in touch with his club.
Nijstad has previously talked up a move to the Camp Nou and has made it clear that he was more than happy to hear about fresh interest from Barcelona over the summer.
“Yes, quite special, of course. I was in the news a lot. That is odd. It came out on the day of the away match against Qarabag. Through you guys, I believe, right? The timing wasn’t ideal for me. But it’s part of the game, you have to deal with it,” he told Voetbal international.
‘It is the biggest club in the world. So, in a way, it just gnaws at you. But we were facing a number of important matches with Twente. That simply had to be priority number one. At times when it was possible, you do think about it. What it would be like. Barcelona… If a club like that wants you, that is wonderful.
“There has been contact between the clubs, I know that. For the rest, I leave it all to my management. They don’t burden me with it too much. Certainly not in a week like the last one.”
Nijstad also spoke about his decision to extend his contract at FC Twente despite the interest from Barcelona.
“I heard occasionally how things stood, nothing more. And it was clear from the start how Twente felt about it. That I am not allowed to leave. Clear. And I understand it, too,” he added.
“I deliberately extended my contract myself because I can develop further here. So that is what I just have to keep doing now. Keep going like this. Play a lot. I am happy to be here, that is still the case.”
Barcelona are still believed to keen on Nijstad and have already been tipped to reignite their interest in the youngster in future transfer windows.