USMNT star Sergino Dest bids ‘emotional’ farewell to Barcelona – wishes things worked out ‘differently’ after joining PSV on permanent transfer

The United States international defender moved to Catalunya from Ajax in 2020. He was considered to be a hot prospect back then, with Barca buying into his potential for future development. Things did not, however, play out as planned.

Dest did take in 72 appearances for the Blaugrana across two seasons, but slipped down the pecking order and found regular starts hard to come by. With that in mind, a loan move to AC Milan was agreed in 2022. The 23-year-old completed another transfer in 2023 when linking up with PSV.

The Netherlands native has now returned to Eindhoven on a permanent basis, with Dest posting on Instagram as he severs ties with La Liga giants: “This is an emotional moment for me! An amazing club with such a nice history! I would have liked to see it differently but sometimes in life things are out of your control. I had a great time, especially the first 2 years, and would like to thank the fans, staff, players and everyone who supported me for these wonderful years. May we meet again. Gracias por todo!”

Dest won the Copa del Rey with Barca in 2021, alongside Argentine superstar Lionel Messi. He helped PSV to Eredivisie title glory last season, despite seeing his season cut short by injury, and is looking to kick on with club and country after leaving Spain as a free agent.