Barcelona chase teenage Dutch defender despite €20 million price tag

Barcelona have made the signing of FC Twente defender Ruud Nijstad a January priority, as Hansi Flick seeks to plug a centre‑back void left by the summer exits of Ronald Araujo and Alvaro Cortes and a spate of injuries.

Director Deco and the Barcelona sporting department aim to bolster Hansi Flick’s defensive options, keeping the 18‑year‑old Dutchman high on their list despite financial obstacles. The club’s need for a new defender stems from having not signed a central defender in the summer after the departures of Ronald Araujo and Alvaro Cortes. Injuries to Andreas Christensen, Eric Garcia and Jules Kounde exposed a lack of depth, leaving Flick short of options in defence.

Although Christensen has returned, Barcelona still view Garcia and Kounde primarily as right‑back options, not solving the centre‑back shortage. With only Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin and an injury‑prone Christensen available in central defence, Barcelona are ready to pursue Nijstad again. The club prefers a long‑term centre‑back rather than a short‑term fix for the second half of the season.

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Nijstad has emerged as the preferred target, despite links to Real Betis’s Natan and Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez. Barcelona contacted Twente last summer to explore a move, but nothing materialised as Nijstad chose to remain at the Dutch club. His contract with Twente runs until June 2029, and his performances have raised his valuation.

Financial hurdles and fee dispute

Deco does not want to spend €20 million on Nijstad, while Twente are asking around €20 million, a figure Barcelona are unwilling to meet. Barcelona appreciate the youngster’s profile and potential but consider the fee higher than they intend to spend. Financial Fair Play limits Barcelona’s spending margin to roughly €3‑4 million, even after Raphinha’s renewal. The potential January exit of Alejandro Balde could influence Barcelona’s pursuit of Nijstad.

Barcelona eye Nijstad, but €20m price complicates negotiations