Sergiño Dest gained recognition for his impressive performances as a right-back. Born on November 3, 2000, in Almere, Netherlands, Dest holds American and Dutch citizenship and has represented the United States national team.
The talented American full-back has been making waves in the football world since his breakthrough at Ajax. With impressive performances and achievements at club and international levels, Dest’s future is surrounded by rumors as Barcelona considers including him in negotiations for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.
Dest has also shown interest in joining Manchester United. Real Sociedad’s €60 million asking price for Zubimendi presents a significant hurdle for Barcelona, prompting them to consider player-plus-cash deals.
Club Career
Dest caught the eye of the Ajax hierarchy and made his debut for Jong Ajax in 2018, impressive with his performances. The following season, he made 18 appearances in the Dutch Eerste Divisie, contributing one goal and two assists. He also made his mark in the UEFA Youth League, scoring a goal and providing an assist in seven appearances.
Dest’s performances earned him a promotion to the Ajax first team in 2019. He debuted in an official game during the 2019 Johan Cruyff Shield match against PSV Eindhoven, which Ajax won 2–0. Subsequently, he made his Eredivisie debut and featured in UEFA Champions League qualifying matches. Dest’s breakthrough came when he started his first Champions League match against Lille OSC, contributing to Ajax’s 3–0 victory.
In his first senior season, Dest made 35 appearances, scoring two goals, including a memorable brace in a KNVB Cup fixture against Telstar. His performances attracted the attention of Barcelona, and in October 2020, he joined the Spanish giants for an initial fee of €21 million. Dest became the first American to represent Barcelona in La Liga, making an immediate impact with his versatility and attacking prowess.
During the 2020–21 season, Dest made 30 appearances in La Liga, scoring two goals. He also etched his name in the history books as the first American to score for Barcelona, netting a goal in a Champions League group stage match against Dynamo Kyiv. He further showcased his abilities by scoring a memorable brace in a 6–1 away victory over Real Sociedad.
Loan to AC Milan
In September 2022, Sergiño Dest embarked on a new chapter in his career by signing a one-year loan deal with AC Milan. This decision gave him a fresh challenge and an exciting opportunity to further enhance his skills and development at one of Italy’s most prestigious football clubs. Joining AC Milan allowed Dest to immerse himself in the rich footballing culture and competitive environment of Serie A, renowned for its tactical sophistication and high-intensity matches.
The loan agreement also includes an option for AC Milan to secure Dest’s services permanently for a fee of €20 million, indicating the club’s belief in his potential and impact on their squad. With an impressive passing accuracy of 84%, Sergiño Dest has played a role in AC Milan’s success this season. The team sits comfortably in 5th place in the Serie A standings.
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International Career
Dest could represent the United States or the Netherlands on the international stage. He opted to play for the United States and has since become a regular fixture in the national team. Making his senior debut in 2019, Dest has accumulated 25 appearances and scored two goals for his country.
Barca to include Dest in negotiations for Zubimendi.
Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez wants to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi for the 2023-24 season. However, Real Sociedad is asking for a €60 million transfer fee, which Barcelona is unwilling to pay. As a result, Barcelona is considering including Sergino Dest in a player-plus-cash deal to lower the price.
Despite the challenges, Barcelona seems determined to exhaust all possibilities in pursuing Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi. With the departure of Sergio Busquets imminent, Zubimendi is reportedly Xavi Hernandez’s preferred choice to fill the midfield void.
