Erik ten Hag stated that multiple clubs from the top-eight in Europe made definite approaches for Ruud Nijstad during the summer. Ruud Nijstad decided against pursuing a top transfer, consciously choosing to stay at FC Twente for at least this year. Ten Hag did not provide comment on specific clubs.

According to Leon ten Voorde, foreign clubs are linked to Ruud Nijstad, an 18-year-old Dutch centre-back. Ruud Nijstad was previously linked to FC Barcelona after securing a starting place earlier this season, and has also attracted interest from clubs including Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund, and FC Bayern München. The Netherlands U19 international has two caps and is under contract with FC Twente Enschede until June 2027. His current market value is €8.00m, according to Transfermarkt. It was reported that in February 2026, FC Twente's asking price was more than ten million euros, a figure that was said to have caused Barcelona to withdraw from talks at the time.