According to Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona are in talks with Ajax regarding Sergino Dest. The Spanish giants are locked in a transfer duel for the right-back with Bayern Munich, who are leading the chase. Barca have contacted Dest’s agents, but they will need to sell some of their star players before they can go ahead while Bayern have already met Ajax officials in Amsterdam.
Barcelona’s Woes In The Right-Back Department
Ever since the decline and the eventual departure of Dani Alves, Barcelona have had problems finding a proper right-back. Nelson Semedo was signed from SL Benfica a few years ago, and while the Portuguese international has impressed with his ability to provide offensive support, there has been a lack of consistency.
Indeed, Nelson hasn’t fared well in certain big matches, struggling to adapt quickly to a different status quo. His inability to keep up with his markers, at times, have made Barcelona quite vulnerable, especially as the opposition attackers often tend to find acres of space in behind the backline.
Sergi Roberto is considered the other option at right-back. The Spaniard is a versatile star but lacks the pace to make himself useful, especially when playing against teams like Bayern Munich or Paris Saint-Germain, who have pacy wingers.
Why Dest Can Solve Barca’s Problems
Sergino Dest is currently one of Eredivisie’s rising talents, having enjoyed a fruitful campaign with Ajax. He is primarily known for his pace that should be useful under the leadership of Ronald Koeman.
Pacey fullbacks have, in fact, become a norm in modern football, at least for the big clubs who tend to possess centre-backs that are more than capable of playing higher up the pitch. The fullbacks, meanwhile, can use their pace to cover the entire flank, and that is where Dest could come in handy.
Moreover, the US international, being a product of the Ajax youth academy, is quite familiar with the possession-based style of football. It means he shouldn’t find it all too difficult to settle into Barcelona’s tactical philosophy, and like Frenkie de Jong, he might succeed in Camp Nou.
Another critical aspect in Dest’s game is his athleticism. Aside from his pace, the right-back is competent in physical duels, and at the age of just 19, he could be an intelligent long-term investment for FC Barcelona.
Finally, it is also fair to consider the fact that the potential arrival of Dest could help Barcelona build its market in the United States, where football is rapidly improving and earning a lot of recognition. Unfortunately, Barca will have to make some sacrifice in the process, primarily by getting rid of Semedo.
