FC Bayern are continuing to work on their long-term squad planning in the background – especially in defence. With Dayot Upamecano, Jonathan Tah and Minjae Kim, the center of defence is currently well-stocked, but it is well known that they are thinking several steps ahead at Säbener Straße. Now a new talent has come into focus: Ruud Nijstad from FC Twente
As the Transferfeed portal reports, scouts from the German record champions have watched the 18-year-old centre-back live several times in recent weeks. The interest appears to be concrete, even if there are no official negotiations yet. In addition to FCB, Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig are also said to have their eye on the Dutch U18 international. So the competition is not sleeping
At 1.93 metres, Nijstad has the ideal physical attributes for the role of a modern centre-back. Robust in tackles, strong with his head and equipped with decent basic speed, he is regarded as one of the most exciting defensive talents of his age group in the Netherlands. He has already made nine appearances for the professional team in the current Eredivisie season and even contributed an assist. That is a clear exclamation mark for a player born in 2008
Barcelona drop out – Twente demand millions
Nijstad’s contract with FC Twente runs until June 2027, giving the Dutch first division club a comfortable starting position in potential negotiations. Although his current market value is estimated at around 700,000 euros, the real transfer fee is likely to be significantly higher. According to Spanish newspaper SPORT, Twente are demanding around ten million euros for the talented defender
There has recently been an interesting development in Spain, with FC Barcelona withdrawing from the poker game. Although the Catalans are said to have held talks, they were apparently not prepared to pay the sum demanded. In addition, Nijstad is said not to have been completely convinced by Barcelona’s sporting development plan
For FC Bayern, Nijstad would clearly be a project for the future. Behind Upamecano, Tah, Kim and Hiroki Ito, he would have time to gradually work his way up to the top level. It is precisely profiles like this that fit in with Munich’s current strategy: secure them early, develop them and build them in for the long term
Nothing has been decided yet, but the repeated scouting shows that the name Ruud Nijstad is being seriously discussed at Säbener Straße. Bayern are not just planning for tomorrow – but for the time after that