- FC Twente Ruud Nijstad has made his call for the upcoming summer
- The Dutch defender is a point of interest for multiple European clubs
- The 18-year-old opened up on his future club plans in a new interview
Manchester City-linked defender Ruud Nijstad will have to decide his future at the end of the season following a recent interview.
Nijstad has attracted interest from multiple clubs in Europe, with four English clubs currently monitoring the teenage defender.
Barcelona attempted to sign Nijstad in January but failed as the player recently opened up about his focus and loyalty to FC Twente, where his future is a matter of interest as he approaches the final year of his contract.
From Germany: Manchester City make direct contact with Hertha Berlin prodigy’s camp
Ruud Nijstad opens up on European interest
Apart from Manchester City, Chelsea, Tottenham and Brighton are also in the race for Almelo-born defender, as reported by ESPN NL and relayed by Sport Witness.
Chelsea have shown serious interest in the player, with manager Liam Rosenior already planning the defender’s development should he make the switch to Stamford Bridge.
When asked by ESPN NL about the continental interest in a recent interview, Nijstad’s stance was clear. “It’s either extend or leave, I think,” Nijstad said.
The Dutchman’s current focus is on the season and he’ll decide where his future lies at the end of the campaign. “But we’ll just have to wait and see,” he added.
“I do have some idea, but as things stand now, I am an FC Twente player. I can shut myself off from that pretty well and leave it to my parents and management. I focus on the football.”
Nijstad’s contract situation
With interest swarming from all across Europe, FC Twente will have to play this quickly as no extension might result in the loss of Nijstad for free.
Manchester City Transfer Tracker: Live Updates on Signings, Contracts and Loans
The defender’s contract runs till 30th June 2027. Earlier, FC Twente weren’t able to sign the player for a longer term because he was not 18 when he signed his existing deal.
Luckily for the Dutch outfit, Nijstad turned 18 in January and Twente will have the opportunity to tie him down for a longer term if the defender is willing.
However, with the likes of Manchester City calling, the youngster might be swayed by the big money on offer in the Premier League.
