American star right back Sergino Dest reportedly moving to Barcelona

Sergino Dest is headed to Barcelona.

Barcelona needs to look anywhere and everywhere for reinforcements after losing out on the La Liga title to Real Madrid last season, especially when it comes to sprucing up an aging defense. The answer to their prayers might come in the form of a teenage American right back, as Sergino Dest appears destined to arrive at Barca in the near future.

Catalan outlet Esport3 has confirmed that the Blaugrana will make the move for the Ajax defender after losing Portuguese starter Nelson Semedo to Premier League side Wolverhampton. Dest will cost around €20m with another €5m in add-ons. Dest’s move to Barcelona comes after the Catalans and reigning Champions League winners Bayern Munich were in a fight for his services.

Sergino Dest is one of the game’s best young right backs.

At just 19 years of age, Dest already recorded 36 appearances for the legendary Dutch side, scoring twice. While the sample size is a bit small, his ability to bomb down the right flank, make plays with the ball at his feet, and prevent fast wingers from dribbling by him are already exceptional for a player of his age.

Dest could’ve chosen to play for the United States or Koeman’s Netherlands due to his American father and Dutch mother, but he chose the USA due to a higher chance of guaranteed playing time. He’s already made three appearances as an American, and many are eyeing him as the future of Gregg Berhalter’s back line.

Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie might get more hype due to the positions that they play, but Dest might have more raw talent than any of them. While getting first-team appearances behind Sergi Roberto might be difficult to come by, Dest spending some time learning from the best offensive center back of all-time in Koeman should help him fulfill his potential and become one of the world’s best fullbacks.