Everton are one of several English clubs to have observed FC Twente's Dutch centre-back Ruud Nijstad this season, with Manchester United, Manchester City, Brentford, Aston Villa, Newcastle United, and Sunderland also monitoring the 18-year-old. The 6ft 5in, left-footed defender has attracted significant attention following his first-team debut last season. According to sources, Twente anticipates that interest from his admirers could intensify in 2027. The Dutch club does not intend to approve a transfer in the January transfer window, so a winter move is not expected. Erik ten Hag, in his role as technical director at Twente, is a key figure in determining the future of the highly-rated teenager. Nijstad, who has yet to be capped for the Netherlands U21 team, is under contract until June 2029 and has a current Transfermarkt market value of €18.00m. In September 2026, reports stated FC Barcelona had an €8 million bid rejected, with FC Twente reportedly wanting €10 million at the time.