Barcelona have officially closed the file on signing a new center-back after their final attempt to secure FC Twente’s rising prospect Ruud Nijstad collapsed on transfer deadline day.
Despite manager Hansi Flick’s desire to add a new defender to his squad, sporting director Deco’s moves hit a brick wall following Twente’s firm refusal to part with their young talent, prompting the Catalan club to abandon pursuing alternative targets in the remaining hours of the window.
Dutch reports indicated that Twente initially rejected a Barcelona offer valued at around €8 million. Although the Spanish club launched a second bid to finalize the transfer, the Dutch side maintained their stance, convinced that Nijstad’s valuation could surge significantly if he continues his development over the coming seasons.
Flick’s demand for defensive reinforcements stems from last season’s high goal-concession rate, an urgency exacerbated by Ronald Araújo’s departure to Liverpool and visible defensive vulnerabilities during pre-season. The German manager specifically requested a fast, left-footed center-back capable of covering large distances behind a high defensive line.
Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni was among the primary targets considered by Barcelona, but negotiations stalled due to Flick’s hesitation and desire to further evaluate the player’s tactical fit. Alternatives such as Aymeric Laporte, RB Leipzig’s Castello Lukeba, and Racing’s Jorge Salinas were also explored, but high financial costs ruled them out successively.
The 18-year-old Nijstad plays as a central defender for Twente, standing 1.95 meters tall and noted for his aerial dominance and left-footed build-up play. He joined the club’s academy in 2019 and remains under contract until the summer of 2029, having made 7 appearances across all competitions this season and scoring one goal.
With the transfer window closed, Flick will rely on Pau Cubarsí, Andreas Christensen, and Eric García, alongside the flexibility of deploying Gerard Martín and Jules Koundé at center-back. Barcelona’s sporting board will closely monitor defensive performance over the coming months before evaluating a potential return to the market in January if defensive issues persist.
