Barcelona defender could be included in Haaland deal to reduce €75 million asking price

Barcelona’s interest in Erling Haaland continues to build up with every passing day. The Borussia Dortmund striker is on the radar of virtually every top European side after his remarkable consistency in front of goal and the Catalans are no different.

Despite their difficult financial position, Barcelona have made it their top priority to seal the Norwegian international’s signing in the summer. Though it initially seemed impossible to pull off, the path is slowly assembling itself for the Spanish side.

According to reports from El Nacional, Mino Raiola has suggested another measure to improve Barcelona’s chances of signing Haaland. Said measure comes in the form of Sergino Dest.

The USMNT star was on Borussia Dortmund (and Bayern Munich’s) radar ahead of his move to Catalonia. The German side seem interested in the prospect of including him in their project, and Laporta could use this to his advantage.

Dest enjoyed a prominent start to life in Spain when Ronald Koeman trusted him with consecutive games. However the same can not be said about his time under Xavi.

The new manager sees Dest as incapable of understanding the philosophy of the team. This is seen in Xavi’s preference for Dani Alves, Oscar Mingueza, and even Ronald Araujo in the right-back position ahead of Dest.

The 20-year-old has been linked with a move away to Bayern Munich and Chelsea in the recent days, but there seem to be no genuine updates on that front.

With the necessity of a striker very grave and Dest’s position under Xavi uncertain, this transfer edges closer to reality. Moreover, Barcelona’s reported interest in Ajax’s Noussair Mazraoui, who will be a free agent in the summer, further deepens the possibility.

In 11 starts this season, Dest has provided three assists and created five big chances. Despite not being a regular under Xavi, such numbers will reflect the talent at his feet that clubs in Europe are running behind.