Former Real Madrid midfielder advises Barcelona target to join Ajax, PSV or Feyenoord: ‘It wouldn’t be crazy’

Former Real Madrid midfielder advises Barcelona target to join Ajax, PSV or Feyenoord: ‘It wouldn’t be crazy’ Former Real Madrid and Netherlands midfielder Wesley Sneijder believes Barcelona transfer target Ruud Nijstad should take an intermediate step in Dutch football before moving to one of Europe’s elite clubs.  Speaking on Ziggo Sport’s programme Rondo (h/t Mundo Deportivo ), the former midfielder suggested that the likes of Ajax, PSV or Feyenoord would provide the 18-year-old FC Twente defender with valuable experience before making the next major step in his career. It must be remembered that Barcelona were among several European clubs monitoring Nijstad during the summer transfer window.  However, despite being attracted by the Catalan club’s interest, the Dutch teenager decided to continue his development at Twente, where he subsequently extended his contract until 2029. Sneijder believes Nijstad needs experience before joining Barcelona Sneijder considers Nijstad a defender with considerable potential, but questions whether moving directly to a major European club would be the right decision at this stage of his development. “He would be better off playing for Ajax, PSV, or Feyenoord,” the former Netherlands international suggested. Barcelona were interested in signing Ruud Nijstad. (Photo courtesy: X/fctwente) “If you don’t perform well for two games, you’re out. I would consider it a waste for a player like him,” he added. Ajax, PSV or Feyenoord could provide the ideal stepping stone Sneijder believes Nijstad needs to experience international football and establish himself before attempting to break into a demanding European dressing room. “I always think that you should only join an elite club once you’ve gained experience,” he added. “Ruud has the potential for success, but you need to start playing international matches so that you become better known and people talk about you more.  “You need to arrive at certain places with more experience because if you don’t perform well for two matches, you’re out, and I would consider that a waste for a player like him,” he pointed out. According to Sneijder, the defender’s ambitions should extend towards representing the Netherlands and competing in European football. Sneijder has advised Ruud Nijstad to join a smaller club. (Photo by Mateo Villalba Sanchez/Getty Images for DFB) “Perhaps an intermediate step would be Ajax, PSV, or Feyenoord; it wouldn’t be crazy. Later on, he will generate a lot of income,” he added. Dean Huijsen example shows potential risks Sneijder also pointed towards Dean Huijsen’s early period at Real Madrid to explain how demanding life can become for young defenders joining elite European clubs. “They’re ruthless at those kinds of clubs,” he warned. For now, Nijstad’s decision to remain at Twente gives him the opportunity to continue developing through regular football rather than immediately facing the pressure of competing for a place at Barcelona. Indeed, Barcelona are looking to sign a new defender in January, but even in that case, Nijstad is far off that list and there is no concrete evidence that the Catalan club would renew their interest again.