Sergino Dest linked with Atletico Madrid move

Sergino Dest is currently enduring a difficult season on loan at AC Milan from Barcelona. The U.S. men’s national team player has made just 14 appearances since he arrived in Italy. However, he is reportedly a target of Atletico Madrid where he could get his career back on track. 

The Spanish website elgoldigital has reported that Atleti “is one of the clubs that has taken notice of his situation.” The right-back is of particular interest to them because “he can also play on the left side.

“The departure of Sergiño Dest to Atletico de Madrid could be given for around 7 million euros. Xavi Hernández has approved his departure.”

Diego Simeone’s side has taken advantage of players who are surplus to requirements at Barca. They have signed both Luis Suarez and Antoine Griezmann from the Catalan side.

Dest’s time at Barca is coming to an end

Since joining from Ajax, Dest has made 72 appearances for La Blaugrana. However, under Xavi, it looks like he has no way back into the side. The club have recently signed Julian Araujo from LA Galaxy. Araujo plays in the same position as Dest, which is not good news for the USMNT player.

The opportunity to remain at a top club in Atleti would be a good move for the player who has spent his whole career so far at top European clubs. Under Simeone, they are known for their defensive play which would suit Dest.

Dest has had his injury problems at Barca but his record in La Liga is not bad. In 51 appearances he has two goals and four assists. Returning to the league that he knows the best would suit the defender.

Atleti is currently fourth in La Liga, so they are on course to qualify for the Champions League again. Dest has played in European soccer’s premier competition for Ajax, Barca and Milan so to continue playing in it would be important.

Sergino Dest needs to get regular game time

Atleti have also been linked with Christian Pulisic, so it would be great for the USMNT to have the two players link up at the same club. It would be much like Leeds United in the Premier League, who have Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams and Brenden Aaronson.

Dest played in each of the USMNT’s World Cup games in Qatar and assisted Pulisic’s winner against Iran. If they are to be reunited in Spain, then Atleti will be hoping they can gel as they do on the international stage together.

The USA are co-hosting the World Cup in 2026. Therefore, they need to have their top players on teams where they can play at the highest level regularly. Dest is only 22 and is a great talent who has already played for some great clubs but he now needs to find a club where he can settle at.

Dest has 23 caps for the USMNT with two goals and three assists. He will be a great asset to the national side in the future if he can join the right team to continue his development.