Rood Nijstad, an 18-year-old centre-back at Twente, stayed with the Dutch side after Barcelona and other clubs showed interest. His contract runs until June 2029.
Why Rood stayed at Twente
His father, Maurice Nijstad, said in an interview with Dutch newspaper NRC: “This was entirely his personal decision”
Rood said: “I haven't finished my mission here yet. I want to repay the people at Twente who have given me so much.”
Barcelona and Twente made contact
Barcelona chased Rood during the summer window. Before Barcelona, Ajax, Eindhoven, Feyenoord and Juventus had shown interest in him. Rood visited a number of clubs alongside his parents and representatives while considering his options.
Maurice confirmed contact between Barcelona and Twente and said Twente refused to ease Rood’s exit.
Barcelona keep Rood on their list
GOAL reports that Barcelona still have Rood’s name on their list of young defenders to watch across the European market.
What father and son say about defending
Rood said: “I rarely get into what my father calls kicking battles and physical challenges. That was what distinguished him most.”
Maurice said: “Rood has the talent of positioning himself well, so that he rarely finds himself in such situations” He added: “This is a quality he didn't inherit from me.”
Maurice said that, where they are alike, he sees similarities in reading the game and organising teammates on the pitch: “In this aspect in particular, I see something of myself in him”
