AC Milan to sign Sergino Dest from Barcelona
FT Desk
- 31 Aug 2022 21:10 BST
- 2 min read
AC Milan are set to complete the signing of Barcelona full-back Sergino Dest, according to multiple sources.
Dest will move to San Siro on a one-year loan, with the option of a permanent transfer until 2027 if the buy clause is triggered.
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The transfer has come as something of a surprise from the Milan point of view, as there had been little talk of interest in Dest.
Barcelona have been desperately trying to sell Dest all summer long, having decided that the American was surplus to requirements.
Dest joined Barcelona from Ajax in 2020 and was tipped to become a big star at the club.
However, he has largely struggled to realise his potential at Camp Nou.
He made 72 appearances for Barcelona, but slipped down the pecking order last season.
Barcelona may yet move in the market on Deadline Day to replace him. Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin has been linked with a possible return to Barcelona.
Busy 24 hours for Milan
Dest will compete at Milan with first-choice right-back Davide Calabria and backup Alessandro Florenzi.
It completes a busy last 24 hours for Milan, who are also set to sign teenage midfielder Aster Vranckx from Wolfsburg.
Dest fits into Milan’s project of signing and developing young talent, with the United States international still only 21.
He has made 17 appearances for the U.S.A national team, scoring two goals.
Milan also snapped up Belgium wonderkid Charles De Ketelaere from Club Brugge as they aim to retain the Scudetto they won last season.
Dest’s debut for Milan could come in the Derby against Inter on Saturday.
