Barcelona flop drawing Premier League interest

It’s no secret that Barcelona are looking to trim their wage bill this summer, moving on from players who don’t appear to be in the plans of manager Xavi.

Sergiño Dest is one such player, with the USMNT right back deemed surplus to requirements.

So far, the market for Dest has been non-existent. But that might be changing according to a report by Gabriel Sans in Mundo Deportivo. Sans indicates that Crystal Palace and Fulham are probable destinations.

Dest joined Barcelona from Dutch club Ajax back in 2020 for a reported fee of €21 million with €5 million in add-ons. He now could leave the club for £17 million (just under €20 million). If Barca were able to secure such a fee, I don’t think there would be any hesitation on the Catalan club’s side.

Barcelona right-back has struggled for consistency

The American right-back has experienced an underwhelming career in Spain, which resulted in him being loaned to AC Milan in 2022. Unfortunately, he failed to make an impression in Italy appearing in just 8 games for I Rossoneri. Unsurprisingly they turned down their option to sign him on a permanent deal.

Xavi has recently expressed his desire to upgrade the right-back position, but the Barca manager doesn’t believe that Dest is the answer.

If they could move Dest, that would open up the necessary funds to potentially target 18-year-old Valladolid defender Ivan Fresneda. Although reports on Sunday morning indicated that interest in Fresneda was cooling.

The report indicates that Manchester United are aware of the situation having held an interest in Dest last season. United are currently managed by former Ajax coach Erik ten Hag, who was with Dest for several years and may know how to get the best out of the American youngster.

It’s easy to forget that Dest is just 22 years of age and is still developing.

Right back has been a problem position for Barca since Dani Alves left for Juventus in 2016, and Xavi is still working to find his long-term solution.

Reports indicate that Vanderson will join the club in 2024, but who mans the position in 2023 remains a mystery.