According to SPORT, a meeting occurred between sporting director Deco, scout João Amaral, and representatives for Ruud Nijstad to discuss a potential move. The reported asking price from FC Twente for the player is eight million euros. SPORT also states that this price has deterred FC Barcelona and the transfer will not happen. The fee is considered too high, particularly since the club has already reinforced its squad with Juwensley Onstein.

According to TEAMtalk transfer correspondent, Graeme Bailey, Barcelona face competition from Manchester City, Chelsea and Newcastle for Dutch centre-back Ruud Nijstad. The 18-year-old FC Twente player has become one of Europe’s most-watched teenage defenders after making his breakthrough this season, and his performances have caused intense competition among elite recruitment departments.

TEAMtalk reports that FC Barcelona has withdrawn from the deal for Ruud Nijstad. According to sources close to the negotiations, as reported by TEAMtalk, the Tukkers wanted more than ten million euros and the Catalans did not want to pay that amount.

Barcelona have been making the strongest effort in recent months, holding talks in an attempt to secure an early agreement for Ruud Nijstad. According to sources close to the negotiations, Barcelona were reluctant to go beyond €10 million, a figure that came from the Twente side of discussions. Nijstad himself was understood to be unconvinced by the development plan presented to him within Barça’s system, raising doubts about whether the move would accelerate his career. Barcelona's hesitation has now created an opportunity for other clubs.