The 18-year-old centre-back has attracted attention after establishing himself in Twente’s first team, and the Bundesliga champions are now among the clubs keeping track of his progress.
According to reports in the Netherlands, Bayern are following Nijstad alongside Barcelona and Manchester United. Twente technical director Erik ten Hag has confirmed that several leading European clubs have made enquiries about the defender.
“There is definitely interest in him. A number of clubs from the top eight in Europe have made contact. I think that is positive,” Ten Hag said.
Nijstad made his senior breakthrough last season, recording a goal and an assist in 21 Eredivisie appearances. He has continued to feature regularly this campaign, scoring once in 17 competitive matches.
Despite the attention, the Netherlands Under-21 international has chosen to remain at Twente for at least the current season. His contract runs until 2029, giving the club a strong position should interest develop into formal offers.
Ten Hag said the defender had made a deliberate decision to stay, while acknowledging the financial realities facing clubs in the Netherlands.
“It is also particularly pleasing that he very consciously chose to stay at Twente for at least another year. Perhaps even longer, but in any case this season.”
He added that player sales were part of the business model for Dutch clubs seeking to remain competitive.
“Every club in Holland has to sell players every year. If you want to remain competitive in Europe, you need a certain budget. And to maintain that budget, you simply have to sell players.”
The transfer interest comes as Bayern prepare for a change in their own scouting department. The club have confirmed that head of scouting Nils Schmadtke will leave by mutual agreement on January 31, 2027.
Schmadtke joined Bayern in October 2024 and took responsibility for scouting both the first team and the club’s campus. Sporting director Max Eberl praised his contribution to recruitment and squad planning.
“Nils Schmadtke has been a great support over the past two years in scouting and squad planning,” Eberl said, thanking him for bringing new ideas to the department.
Schmadtke said he was proud of the restructuring work carried out during his time in Munich, including the work done for the senior squad and the club’s young players.
His departure will bring an end to a little over two years at Bayern Munich, with the club now facing a period of transition in the department responsible for identifying future talent.