Barcelona transfer target reveals desire to play alongside Pau Cubarsi: 'The ultimate goal'

Barcelona transfer target reveals desire to play alongside Pau Cubarsi: 'The ultimate goal' centers on FC Twente defender Ruud Nijstad and his stated ambition to join the Blaugrana. The 18-year-old said that forming a center-back partnership with Pau Cubarsi would be his ideal scenario, even though a move did not materialize this summer. Nijstad had previously been a preferred long-term option, but financial terms—described as an asking price around €8 million—were considered too high, leading to a failed transfer. He instead signed a contract extension with FC Twente until 2029. In comments attributed to SPORT, Nijstad said he had doubts about going abroad and weighed advice from family, agents, and others. For now, he plans to continue developing at Twente, saying he still has “a great deal to learn.”