PSV in pole position to sign Barcelona outcast; English, French clubs keen too

When Sergino Dest signed for Barcelona from Ajax, many hailed him to be the next big right-back of the generation. The USMNT star was expected to take La Liga by storm, especially given the connection Barça and Ajax have shared over the years.

Yet, one could not be more far off from their expectations. The American international survived one season in Catalonia under Ronald Koeman but soon faced the wrath of the manager after Xavi Hernandez took over.

One year and a failed loan spell later, it is now clear that Dest does not have what it takes to play for a club of Barcelona’s stature. Joan Laporta has thus left no stone unturned in trying to sell the defender, but Dest did not attract any suitors from Europe.

A disappointing stint in Milan

The tables have now turned. According to reports from Roger Torello, PSV Eindhoven are in pole position to sign Dest on loan. Moreover, there is also interest in the player from OGC Nice and a club from the Premier League.

Last September, AC Milan agreed to sign the right-back on a season-long loan, hoping that he would find his mojo in a new environment.

His stint in Italy, however, was far from promising. The youngster made just eight appearances for the Rossoneri in Serie A, averaging under 45 minutes per half. Further, he did not register any goal contributions in the Italian league.

Now, he could be on his way to signing for PSV, who are in the market for a right-back. An additional report from Marco Timmer claims that Dest’s move to the Eredivisie giants would be a loan deal with an option to buy.

What are Barcelona’s plans for right-back?

It is no secret that the Catalans are devoid of a natural right-back player. In fact, it has been their Achilles Heel for a long time.

Barcelona are eyeing Manchester City’s Joao Cancelo as an option. Though talks with the Premier League club initially broke down owing to economic differences, they now appear to be back on track.

For the time being, Xavi Hernandez trusts Ronald Araujo to cover the right-back position.