USMNT defender Sergiño Dest joined AC Milan from Barcelona. The deal is a season-long loan with a $20 million option to make the transfer permanent. The 21-year-old American defender arrived at Barça from Ajax in 2020.
The American right back is a versatile player. He can operate on the left or right side of any defense. Also, he can go further up the pitch to play a more offensive role if needed. Milan already has Alessandro Florenzi and Davide Calabria as right-backs. However, Florenzi will miss at least eight weeks of action due to injury.
Dest played more than 50 La Liga games for Barça. He also racked up 16 Champions League appearances and seven Europa League appearances during his time in Spain. While he had a very promising start to his career in Spain, injuries hampered his progression with Barça.
The American did not play for Barça in his first three games this season. Coach Xavi opted to do without Dest and chose regular centre-backs Ronald Araujo and Jules Koundé in the right-back position.
Sergiño Dest arrives at AC Milan from Barça
At the international level, the defender made his USMNT debut when he was just 18 years old and quickly became fully committed to the team soon after. Dest was born in the Netherlands but chose to represent the US and has been a mainstay in the USMNT for the past several years.
USMNT fans are hoping the defender can stay healthy and receive plenty of playing time during his stint in Italy. Dest is a very important player for the United States. They need him fit and ready before the next World Cup.
AC Milan’s next game is against fierce rivals Inter Milan on Saturday 3rd September. If the Derby di Milano comes too soon for Dest, he could make his Milan debut in a Champions League match against RB Salzburg next week.
PHOTO: IMAGO / Ricardo Larreina Amador
