Barcelona reconsiders Ruud Nijstad for defensive reinforcement in January

FC Barcelona, led by their sporting director Deco, are preparing to move during the winter transfer window to strengthen their centre-back position, focusing on signing a left-sided defender capable of staying with the team for years.

According to Spanish newspaper "Sport", Dutch defender Ruud Nijstad, 18, has returned to FC Barcelona's interests after the club previously reached out to him last summer, due to the management's admiration for his physical abilities and capacity to build play.

However, the deal faces financial difficulties, as Twente is asking for around 20 million euros to part with the player, who is under contract until June 2029, while Barcelona is unwilling to pay this amount due to their limited financial margin under the financial fair play rules.

Alejandro Balde's departure could help free up financial space, especially since the left-back has only played 124 minutes across five matches this season, without starting any game.

FC Barcelona are weighing up several alternatives, most notably Youri Baas, a defender from Ajax, and Castello Lukeba, a player from RB Leipzig, as well as Arthur Dias, a defender from Club Athletico Paranaense. However, the transfers of Alessandro Bastoni and Joško Gvardiol appear difficult due to their high costs.