FC Barcelona continues working on plans for the upcoming transfer window, with one position considered a priority by the sporting department: signing a left-footed centre-back to strengthen the defense of Hansi Flick.
For several months, the club has been analyzing different profiles that could fit the sporting project. The main name on the shortlist remains Alessandro Bastoni from Inter Milan, although the high price of the Italian defender makes the operation extremely complicated.
Because of that, Barcelona has also explored more affordable alternatives across the European market.
Deco traveled to meet the player’s entourage
One of the names that appeared on Barcelona’s radar was Ruud Nijstad, a young centre-back from FC Twente who is considered one of the promising defensive talents in Dutch football.
According to reports from SPORT, Deco and João Amaral even traveled twice to meet with the player’s representatives.
The scouting reports on the defender were positive. Within the club, they valued his potential, his left-footed profile and his room for development.
The price stopped the deal
Despite the initial interest, Barcelona ultimately decided not to proceed with the operation.
Twente reportedly valued the defender at around €8 million — a figure the sporting department considered too high for a player still in a development phase.
After evaluating the financial side of the deal, the club chose not to enter into a bidding situation and instead continued exploring other options in the market.
Barça focusing on young defenders
Barcelona has also already strengthened that position with young profiles in recent months.
The club recently signed Juwensley Onstein, a left-footed centre-back viewed as a long-term prospect for the reserve team.
Another addition was Patricio Pacífico, a versatile left-footed defender capable of playing both as a centre-back and as a full-back.
Pacífico recently made a positive impression in his first appearance with the team.
Scouting department keeps searching
Meanwhile, Barcelona’s scouting department — led by João Amaral — continues analyzing international markets in search of opportunities that fit both the sporting plan and the club’s financial limits.
The objective remains clear: strengthen the defense without making excessive investments that could disrupt the club’s financial balance.
For now, the option of signing Ruud Nijstad has been ruled out, while Barcelona keeps other avenues open to reinforce the heart of the defense.
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