RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Barcelona and FC Twente just €2 million apart in Ruud Nijstad transfer negotiations
Barcelona are pushing to sign Ruud Nijstad before the transfer window closes, but their opening offer for the highly-rated FC Twente defender has fallen short of the Dutch club’s €10 million valuation.
According to SPORT , Deco has placed €8 million on the table for the 18-year-old centre-back, leaving the two clubs with a €2 million gap to resolve if Barcelona are to complete the deal.
As reported before, Nijstad has emerged as one of the most interesting late options being considered by Barcelona’s sporting department.
The club has been impressed by his qualities and believes he fits the profile they want to add to their defence.
The operation, though, is being treated as a long-term investment rather than an urgent requirement.
For now, Deco is unwilling to just meet Twente’s asking price without negotiating, meaning more development will surface in the coming hours.
Deco looks to close the €2m gap
Deco is negotiating with FC Twente for Ruud Nijstad. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Twente’s position is straightforward. The Dutch club want €10 million for a defender they regard as one of their brightest young prospects, while Barcelona currently value the opportunity at €8 million.
Both sides are now looking for a solution that could allow the transfer to happen.
For Barcelona, the hesitation is understandable, as the club is weighing up whether it makes sense to spend almost the same amount on a player who is still at the beginning of his professional career as they have on an established forward such as Gabriel Jesus .
The two situations are obviously different, but it explains why Deco is trying to negotiate rather than immediately agreeing to Twente’s demands.
Nijstad is pushing for the Barcelona move
Interestingly, the player himself appears determined to make the transfer happen.
Nijstad reportedly sees the opportunity to join one of Europe’s biggest clubs and establish himself at Camp Nou as a dream.
That desire could become an important factor as Barcelona and Twente attempt to find common ground.
For now, his contract with Twente runs until 2029, which puts the Dutch club in a strong negotiating position.
In fact, they have no immediate need to sell and can also demand a substantial fee for a player tied down for several more years.
Barcelona, therefore, have a lot of convincing to do that €8 million, or a package built around that figure, is enough for the promising 18-year-old talent.
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