#fc-twente

#fc-twente

Barcelona are continuing to push forward with their long-term recruitment strategy, and another young name has now emerged as a priority. According to SPORT, the Catalan club is moving closer to finalising a deal for highly rated Dutch defender Ruud Nijstad. The pursuit of Nijstad, who currently plays for FC Twente, fits perfectly into Barcelona's recent approach in the market. Rather than focusing solely on immediate first-team reinforcements, the club has prioritised strengthening their youth structure with players who can grow into senior roles over time.

The player Barcelona have identified in the Dutch club is a top centre-back prospect Ruud Nijstad, who also happens to be a left-footed player. As is common knowledge, quality left-footed centre-backs are hard to come across and are critical for Barcelona's style. He is just 18 years of age and already a regular in the senior team, and his current contract with Twente runs until the summer of 2027.

When Steve McClaren left his post as England manager following failure to qualify for Euro 2008, a move overseas was probably the most shrewd thing he could have done. Had he remained in England, the Wally with a Brolly' label would have never been far away, so his move to Dutch side FC Twente gave him the opportunity to somewhat wipe the slate clean.