La Liga rivals interested in signing Barcelona right-back, player doesn’t want move

With Barcelona looking to offload Sergino Dest before the transfer window ends, their La Liga rivals, Villarreal, have emerged as a potential suitor for the out-of-favour defender.

This claim comes from Cadena SER, who state that the Yellow Submarine are interested in signing Dest from Barcelona in a loan deal following the injury to first-choice right-back Juan Foyth.

The Argentine international, interestingly, has been Barça’s top target for the right-back position in the last few weeks. Villarreal, though, were unwilling to negotiate and wanted his full €42 million release clause to be paid if Xavi & co. wanted to sign him.

But, all that is a moot point now that the defender has picked up an injury which will sideline him for at least two months. While Barcelona have moved on to new targets, Villarreal are now left scrambling in the market for cover in the position.

A move for Rayo Vallecano’s Ivan Balliu is already in the works, but Unai Emery’s side have now cast their sights towards Dest as well.

The report states that there have been contacts made from the La Liga club with the 21-year-old’s entourage. However, as things stand, the defender has no intentions of joining Villarreal.

Dest has fallen completely out of favour at Barcelona under manager Xavi. He has been informed to find a new club before the window closes. While he was initially reluctant to leave, the USMNT ace is now believed to be open to an exit.

A move to Manchester United, where he would reunite with former Ajax manager Erik ten Hag, appeals to Dest. However, a transfer to Old Trafford is likely to be complicated as the Red Devils would need to clear out some players before making an effort to sign him.

So, it remains to be seen what the future holds for Dest. But at the moment, the 21-year-old is showing no interest in signing for Villarreal.