Chelsea and Barcelona interested in FC Twente defender

Chelsea and Barcelona interested in FC Twente defender

ESPN are reporting that Ruud Nijstad is attracting interest from several high profile European clubs. Among those, Chelsea and Barcelona are two that have been said to be monitoring the FC Twente defenders’ progress. Nijstad has only played 20 games for the side since breaking through this season, but that has been enough to put the young defender on the radar of clubs like Chelsea and Barcelona.

The 18-year-old central defender looks set to be the latest player to be snapped up by a big club before ever really having the chance to play regular first team football. Plenty of players have made the move to the likes of Chelsea in recent years based on their potential and just a small sample size of games. Clearly, Nijstad is a talented prospect, but many have broken into their senior sides only to struggle after making a move. Yet, it would be very difficult for any player to turn down the likes of Chelsea or Barcelona, given the financial benefits these clubs can offer, as well as the opportunity to play at the highest level of European football should the player break into the first team.

Nijstad has been capped at all levels of Dutch international football up to U18 level. He will certainly be part of the next U21 squad given his performances for Twente this season.

FC Twente are one of the in form sides in the Eredivisie this season, and Nijstad has been a part of that good form. The side have conceded just 32 goals in 30 games, the best defensive record in the league. PSV, who have already won the Eredivisie, have conceded 40, while Utrecht have the second best defence with 36 conceded.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson