U.S. international back Sergino Dest is on his way to Barcelona, according to multiple reports. The La Liga side agreed to pay a $30 million transfer fee to Ajax for the 19-year-old player and have already opened contract talks with the player.
Dest has been targeted with several high-profile European clubs in the past couple of months, with Bayern Munich leading the race for his signature. However, Barca decided to make a late move, and are now the teenager’s preferred option.
Bayern sees Sergino Dest as more of a long-term project, considering they are well covered on the right-back. They have accomplished and versatile players like Benjamin Pavard and Joshua Kimmich, who can play the position, so Dest’s minutes would mostly depend on the team’s needs and his capability to handle the pressure.
On the other hand, Barca is thin on the position, especially since they recently sold Nelson Semedo to Wolverhampton Wanderers. The only viable option they now have is Sergio Roberto, who is considered a midfielder. All things considered, Dest would receive more playing time in Spain but would also have a smaller margin for error.
Dest clocked 37 games with Ajax’s senior team so far, scoring two goals and dishing six assists in all competitions. He also has three appearances with the United States men’s national team.
