Manchester United and Bayern Munich have FC Twente’s Ruud Nijstad on their transfer radar as part of their plan to further improve their defence.
The 18-year-old has caught the attention of top European clubs, including Manchester United and Bayern Munich.
He graduated from the Dutch club’s youth system and made his way into their first team last season. The centre-back played 1,770 minutes in 24 matches. In his first full season in the top flight, the youngster has so far played 1,485 minutes in 17 matches.
Manchester United latest PL side
In April, there were reports about Chelsea and Manchester City interest in securing his services. At that time, the defender said that their reported interest made him happy. He also explained he would either move elsewhere in the summer or sign an extension.
Ruud Nijstad is still at the Eredivisie side, and in July, he signed a new contract until 2029.
Fast forward to October, and Twente Insite, a website focusing their coverage on Twente, reports on Manchester United and Bayern Munich interest. The duo are among the clubs to have the Netherlands U19 international on their agenda.
The Dutch club are happy that he didn’t entertain offers during the last window and will stay at least until the end of this season.
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Player Signed from Arrival Position Initial fee Maximum fee
Tyrell Malacia Feyenoord July 2022 Left-back €15m €17m
Antony Ajax September 2022 Winger €95m €100m
TOTAL · 4 PLAYERS €206.37m €228.37m
Period: 3 November 2016–3 November 2026. Direct first-team signings from Eredivisie clubs; returning loanees excluded.
Fees: Ajax figures are club-confirmed; Malacia’s fee is reported. Maximum fees include potential add-ons and do not indicate the amount ultimately paid.
Updated: 3 November 2026.
Top clubs chasing Ruud Nijstad
Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has been Twente’s technical director since February.
He’s confirmed top European clubs’ interest in Ruud Nijstad and his side’s firm desire to hold on to him beyond this season. Twente Insite have relayed his comments.
“I don’t know, but there is indeed interest in him. Several clubs from the top 8 in Europe have made concrete offers. But he simply made a very conscious choice to play for FC Twente this season,” he said.
“He is a very great talent who joined the team last season. He is still very young, but he does so in a very self-assured manner. It is a pleasure to work with that boy. Quite a few clubs from the top of Europe have come forward. I think that is only a good thing.”
“It is also particularly nice that he very consciously chose to stay with Twente for at least another year. Maybe even longer, but in any case, this season.”
Transfermarkt value Ruud Nijstad at €18m, and his side are most likely to demand a club-record fee to sell him. Their record, as per the same site, is €14m from Dušan Tadić’s sale to Southampton in 2014.
The Dutchman can be a good addition to Manchester United, who have to look for a centre-back ahead of next season.