In a recent report, Mundo Deportivo revealed that Barcelona are hoping to cash in on Sergino Dest this summer. It has been claimed that the Catalan club are looking to sell the United States defender permanently in this off-season.
Dest’s Lackluster Loan Spell At San Siro
Dest had an uninspiring campaign at AC Milan as he struggled to play his best football in Serie A. The Almere-born talent made 14 appearances for the Italian outfit last season but failed to score or create a goal for them across all fronts.
The 22-year-old saw most of his game time come off the bench which explains why he only averaged 1.5 tackles, 0.5 interceptions, 0.5 key passes and 1.0 dribbles per 90 minutes in La Liga. He has even been tidy with his ball distribution after making 84.1% of his attempted passes in top-flight football (stats via whoscored).
His current contract at his parent club Barcelona will run out in the summer of 2025. Hence, the Catalan club are under no pressure to let him go in this ongoing transfer window.
Should Barcelona Boss Xavi Let Dest Go?
Dest is a good tackler of the ball and can make a few timely interceptions for his team when he is playing with confidence on the pitch. He has got the eye to play a few decisive passes in the opponent’s half and can make a few driving runs with the ball out on the flanks.
The United States international is an accurate passer of the ball as well but needs to figure out a way to earn more first-team starts in the coming seasons.
Dest is primarily a right-back but can also operate as a left-back if asked to do so by his manager. However, the American sensation is currently surplus to requirements at the Nou Camp as he finds himself on the fringes of Xavi’s squad.
At 22, Dest has still got a lot of room to grow as a footballer. However, it is only fair to the player if Barcelona let him go so that he can turn his fortunes around for the better in the future. The Catalan club can also use the money generated from his potential sale to strengthen other areas of their squad before the end of this summer transfer window.
