Sergino Dest bids farewell to Barcelona again as USMNT star completes PSV loan with permanent transfer option

It may be the last time that the United States international packs his bags at Camp Nou, with the 22-year-old looking to restore stability to a promising club career that has fallen a little off track. He will be hoping to thrive back in the familiar surrounds of Dutch football, with the Almere-born full-back having previously starred for Ajax.

Dest made 38 appearances for Ajax before joining Barca in October 2020, but he was restricted to just 72 outings for the Liga giants as he struggled to nail down a regular starting berth. He was then sent on loan to AC Milan last season.

Dest, who has earned 26 caps for the USMNT, has told PSV’s official website of returning to the Eredivisie: “PSV were in touch with me every day and expressed a keen desire to get me on board, which was a good feeling. And on top of that, I like the style of football they play at PSV. I think it suits me very well. I return to the Netherlands. I’m still the same player but I’ve gained a lot of experience and I’ve hopefully acquired a higher efficiency. I can’t wait to make my debut.”

PSV’s director of football, former USA international Earnest Stewart, added: “Sergino Dest was keen to join us, which we obviously liked. He is a very skilful and creative defender who can help the team with his explosive power and attacking intentions. He is as fit as a fiddle!"

Dest will go straight into the PSV squad, as he looks to make the kind of impact that will earn him an extended stay in Eindhoven, with their next fixture set to see them face Scottish outfit Rangers in the first leg of a Champions League play-off tie on Tuesday.