Why Dest would be a thrilling addition to Ten Hag's Man Utd
FT Desk
- 12 Aug 2022 14:57 BST
- 3 min read
Sergino Dest has been linked with a move to Manchester United from Barcelona. The Dutch-born USA right-back could be a thrilling addition to Erik ten Hag's squad.
United's business in the transfer market this summer has had a very Dutch flavour, with Ten Hag bringing Lisandro Martinez with him from Ajax for €67 million whilst also adding Feyenoord left-back Tyrell Malacia for €17m as well as acquiring former Ajax man Christian Eriksen on a free.
The new coach wanted to bring in "at least five new signings" when he arrived, though, and their chances of acquiring Dest from Barcelona would appear to be good, with the Catalan giants desperate to offload fringe players in a race to register new arrivals for the start of the new La Liga season.
Man Utd and Barcelona are in negotiations over Sergino Dest, according to sport 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/fMAG7HHX5L
— Football Transfers (@Transfersdotcom) August 12, 2022
Barcelona are reportedly holding out for €20m for the right-back, but that fee could come down if they accept Diogo Dalot in part-exchange. Dest would be a significant upgrade on the Portuguese, and indeed Aaron Wan-Bissaka if he arrived at Old Trafford.
Welcome attacking verve
A forward in his youth, he was handed his senior Ajax debut by Ten Hag in 2019. Two goals, six assists and a Johan Cruyff Shield in little more than a season later, and the Almere-born youngster was making a €26m move to Barcelona.
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While he has had to share playing time with Dani Alves, Sergi Roberto and Oscar Mingueza since his October 2020 arrival, Dest has never lost his energy and enthusiasm. Three goals and four assists in 72 Barca appearances are numbers that bely how attacking Dest's underlying stats are.
With more than eight progressive carries and two dribbles completed per 90 minutes last season, Dest with in the 98th percentile in Spain among players in his position. Compare that with Dalot, who averages five and one in each column, or Wan Bissaka who gets a nosebleed if he crosses the halfway line, and United would be doing very well to acquire Dest indeed.
