Barcelona defender considering January exit, asking price set at €30 million

Under the regime of Josep Maria Bartomeu, Barcelona witnessed several transfers of players who did not fit the team’s philosophy. Big-name signings were pulled off primarily as marketing gimmicks, aiming to attract revenue with star players.

Phillipe Coutinho, Ousmane Dembele, Miralem Pjanic, and Arturo Vidal are just a few of the examples of players who were known to be strangers to the ‘Barcelona way’, and were signed anyway.

However, Bartomeu made a couple of sensible moves just before the end of his regime. Other than Pedri, who has gone on to become a bonafide star, Sergino Dest was seen as a player who could become a big player for the team in the future.

Despite having a smooth start to his Barcelona career under Ronald Koeman, his position has been heavily compromised since the arrival of Xavi. The Spanish manager – reportedly – thinks that Dest does not understand positional play well and is looking to push him out of the team.

Initial reports stated that the USMNT star is ready to fight for his place in the team, rejecting the mere thought of leaving. The situation seems to have changed since.

Dest looking out of Barcelona’s window

According to Roger Torello of Mundo Deportivo, Sergino Dest has not ruled out a possible exit from Barça in the winter. This comes as a big decision, for his place in the team seemed fixed just two months ago.

Dani Alves has taken over the youngster’s place in the starting XI, with Oscar Mingueza and Ronald Araujo contesting over the second-string spot. However, interest from several top clubs has opened up a window of possibility in his mind.

Bayern Munich and Chelsea are amongst the top teams linked with a move for the right-back. Though the London based side prefers to call back Emerson Palmieri from loan, Dest is seen as the next best option.

Barcelona signed the right-back from Ajax for a fee of €21 million with a further €5 million in variables. The Catalans are looking to recoup their investment at the very least, with their asking price set around the €30 million mark.

Dest has provided three assists in his 11 league starts this season at Barcelona. It is a significant upgrade from his two goals and one assist in 23 league starts from last campaign.