Nijstad Rejects Barcelona, Stays at Twente
The 18-year-old centre-back chose to remain with the Dutch club despite interest from Barcelona in the last summer transfer window.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Soccer
Rood Nijstad, an 18-year-old centre-back for Twente, rejected a move to Barcelona and remained with the Dutch club. Barcelona had chased the defender during the last summer transfer window, but Twente refused to ease his exit.
Why it matters
The decision keeps a promising young defender at Twente while Barcelona continues to track emerging centre-backs. It shows a young player prioritizing loyalty to the club that developed him over a move to a major European side.
Nijstad's contract with Twente runs until June 2029, meaning the club retains control of his future for several more seasons. Barcelona still lists him among young defenders it is monitoring.
The players
Rood Nijstad
An 18-year-old centre-back for Twente who rejected a move to Barcelona.
Twente
A Dutch professional football club in the Eredivisie that retained the defender.
Barcelona
A Spanish professional football club that pursued Nijstad during the last summer transfer window.
The details
Nijstad visited several clubs with his parents and representatives before making his choice. He said he wants to repay the people at Twente who have given him so much.
Timeline
Last summer transfer window: Barcelona chased Nijstad, and he stayed at Twente.
June 2029: Nijstad's contract with Twente expires.
Season Trajectory
Nijstad's decision follows a pattern in which Eredivisie clubs such as Ajax, Feyenoord and Twente develop young defenders that top European clubs then pursue. Keeping him at Twente preserves a homegrown asset during the transfer period.
For fans tracking the transfer market, Nijstad's contract with Twente runs until June 2029, so a move before then would require the club's agreement. Those following young centre-backs can watch whether Barcelona returns for him in future windows.
The takeaway
Young players can weigh loyalty to their development club against the pull of elite European teams. Nijstad's choice shows that a long-term contract and personal gratitude can outweigh a high-profile offer.
Further reading
For more on young talent moving between European clubs, see our Soccer coverage.
