Barcelona tracks Ruud Nijstad following failed transfer pursuit

Barcelona maintained interest in FC Twente defender Ruud Nijstad throughout the recent summer transfer window. Despite reaching a verbal agreement with the 18-year-old, the La Liga club failed to secure his services as FC Twente refused to authorize a sale. Managers at the Dutch club held firm on their stance despite the player expressing curiosity about the interest from Barcelona. Following the collapse of the transfer, Nijstad signed a voluntary contract extension with FC Twente to continue his development. Barcelona officials currently consider the addition of a new central defender a secondary priority, though they plan to continue monitoring the player's performance. A final decision regarding a future move for the teenager will depend on the defensive output of the existing squad during the current campaign.

• 2:45 PMYahoo Sports — Barcelona will continue to monitor teenage defender after failed summer move despite verbal agreement