FC Twente could command nearly €40 million for 18-year-old central defender Ruud Nijstad if clubs

FC Twente could command nearly €40 million for 18-year-old central defender Ruud Nijstad if clubs from the Premier League join the race for his signature, according to twentefans.nl and Spanish sports daily SPORT. The Dutch club is reportedly holding out for roughly double the €20 million valuation currently attached to the teenager when English interest is involved.

Nijstad extended his contract with FC Twente until mid-2029 at the start of the transfer window, a move that has strengthened the club’s negotiating position. Technical director Erik ten Hag refused to sanction a departure when FC Barcelona made concrete overtures over the summer, VoetbalPrimeur reported. The Catalan club has not abandoned hope of signing him but now faces stiff competition.

Barcelona and Eight English Clubs Circle Nijstad

Ten Hag confirmed on Good morning Eredivisie that multiple clubs from Europe’s top eight made concrete approaches for Nijstad during the summer transfer period. “A whole number of clubs from the top of Europe have approached him,” Ten Hag said, according to VoetbalPrimeur. “That’s only good. It’s also good that he consciously chose to play for FC Twente for at least another year.”

Twente Insite reported that eight English clubs have been tracking Nijstad, including Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea. The presence of Premier League suitors could push the asking price toward the €40 million mark, SPORT wrote, while the base valuation sits above €20 million.

Ten Hag Praises Nijstad’s Self-Assured Performances

The 18-year-old, who made his debut last season, has developed into a key figure in Twente’s defense. “This is a very big talent,” Ten Hag told Good morning Eredivisie. “He came into the team last year, still very young, but he does it in a very self-assured way. It’s a pleasure to work with that boy.”

Despite the concrete interest from European giants, Nijstad chose to remain in Enschede for at least the current season, a decision Ten Hag described as conscious and deliberate, according to voetbal.headliner.nl.

Contract Until 2029 Gives Twente Leverage

Nijstad’s contract extension until mid-2029 means any move will require a significant fee. FC Barcelona approached the club over the summer but was rebuffed by Ten Hag, who was not prepared to let the defender leave. The long-term deal gives FC Twente a strong hand in any future negotiations.

Nijstad’s age, role and transfer interest revealed

How old is Ruud Nijstad and what position does he play?

Nijstad is 18 years old and plays as a left-footed central defender for FC Twente, having made his debut in the first team last season.

Which clubs are interested in signing him?

FC Barcelona has shown concrete interest, and eight English clubs—including Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea—are monitoring him, according to Twente Insite. Ten Hag confirmed multiple top-eight European clubs made approaches this summer.

What is his current contract situation?

Nijstad extended his contract with FC Twente at the start of the transfer period, tying him to the club until mid-2029.

Why would the transfer fee be higher for Premier League clubs?

According to SPORT, FC Twente would demand nearly €40 million—almost double the €20 million base valuation—if Premier League clubs concretely enter the bidding, capitalizing on the competition between English suitors.

The interest from multiple elite clubs underscores Nijstad’s rapid rise, though his decision to extend his contract and stay at Twente this season means a mega-transfer appears unlikely before next summer at the earliest.