Sunderland are one of several Premier League clubs that have monitored FC Twente's 18-year-old Dutch centre-back Ruud Nijstad this season. The 6ft 5in, left-footed defender, who made his senior debut last season, is also of interest to Manchester United, Manchester City, Brentford, Aston Villa, Newcastle United, and Everton. His Dutch club does not intend to approve a transfer in the January transfer window, and sources indicate that Twente anticipates the growing interest from his admirers could intensify during 2027. Erik ten Hag, the technical director at Twente, has a significant role in determining the player's future. Nijstad's contract is valid until June 2029, and his current Transfermarkt market value is listed as €18.00m. In September 2026, reports stated that FC Barcelona made an €8 million bid that was rejected. A reported bid of €5-6 million from PSV was also rejected in June 2026.