Sergino Dest, a defender for FC Barcelona who has been linked to Leeds United, is apparently close to signing a permanent agreement with AC Milan, who were impressed with the right-performance back’s at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The reigning Italian champions are willing to pay Barcelona the €20 million (£17 million) transfer fee to sign Dest on a permanent basis, according to Corriere dello Sport via Sport. Milan is persuaded by the fullback’s potential following a “outstanding” performance with America in Qatar.
Dest, who is owned by Barcelona, started all four of the USA’s World Cup games, and helped Gregg Berhalter’s team advance from their group and into the round of 16. The Netherlands eventually defeated America 3-1 to get to the round of 16 nevertheless. Many people will be surprised by Milan’s decision to sign Dest on a long-term basis because the Dutch-born defender has only made two starts for the Rossoneri in all competitions this year since joining the San Siro club in the summer instead of teams like Leeds.
According to TeamTalk, Jesse Marsch was eager to sign Dest, along with other American internationals Tyler Adams and Brenden Aaronson, to Leeds’ roster in the summer. Milan, though, ultimately prevailed in the competition for the Ajax academy graduate. Although Dest hasn’t played much since choosing Milan over teams like Leeds, the UEFA Champions League team can plainly see potential in the 22-year-old fullback. And the Rossoneri’s choice to sign the youngster now may have been a brilliant one.
At the time, Sergino Dest to Leeds seemed like an audacious move that the Elland Road team could have completed had they pushed Barcelona aggressively. A few months later, however, Milan’s decision to make the American’s loan agreement permanent makes it seem as though signing the defender has completely lost its appeal. Leeds should be sorry of themselves as a result. After all, Yorkshire already had a growing group of American players, and the right-back would have been another.
Rox and Ken discuss the potenital move and if the Sergino Dest hype is smoke or fire.
