Manchester City emerge as front-runners for talented Barcelona defender
Manchester City have emerged as favourites to sign Barcelona’s highly-rated full-back Sergino Dest reports Catalan outlet El Nacional.
Sergino Dest, 21, was a regular fixture for Barcelona under former manager Ronald Koeman but has lost his place in the starting XI since Xavi Hernandez replaced Koeman. The young full-back’s game time has taken a severe hit in recent weeks, and following his inability to prove his credentials amidst such a short span, the Catalan club have decided to sell him to ease their financial crisis, claims El Nacional. Moreover, with Bayern Munich also said to be interested in signing the American full-back, January exit for the prospect is looking likely.
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Barcelona President Joan Laporta wants to recoup the €25 million the club splashed to sign Sergino Dest from Ajax last summer. Bayern Munich have been heavily linked with the 21-year-old USA international, but Manchester City are now the front-runners for his signature, the report adds.
Man City boss Pep Guardiola has set his sights on the Barcelona man to compete with Kyle Walker for the right-back spot, with Joao Cancelo cementing his place at left-back.
Kyle Walker has been one of the best right-backs in the Premier League over the last few years, taking his game to the next level under Guardiola’s management. However, the England international isn’t getting younger and will turn 32 in May.
Thus, it’s practical from the Sky Blues’ perspective to search for Walker’s long-term replacement. Sergino Dest, in that regard, could be a good fit at the Etihad Stadium with a lot of room for improvement, both defensively and offensively. The United States international may have failed to deliver consistent performances at Barcelona but there’s no doubting his talent and potential to grow in a champion team like Man City.
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Most importantly for Guardiola and co., Dest is open to joining the defending English champions where he wishes to play in the Champions League regularly and win major honours, the report concludes.
While the Catalan club are ready to sell the 21-year-old next month, it remains to be seen if Man City decide to make an offer for him in the New Year or wait until the next summer transfer window.