Ronald Koeman couldn’t convince Sergino Dest to choose the Netherlands national team over the USMNT, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t one of several club suitors working to win over the back.
New Barcelona boss Koeman issued lofty praise for the American youngster, who turns 20 in November, during a June radio interview in Spain.
“He is a player for clubs like Barcelona,” Koeman said, via Calcio Mercato. “He is quick and good ball and chain, he could adapt easily in any club.”
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Dest’s future is back in the news Tuesday after a Sky Sports Germany report that the youngster is looking at Bayern Munich and multiple Premier League clubs, the German champions atop his list.
The Ajax right back has two goals and six assists in 35 senior appearances for the club after coming through its vaunted academy. He’s also been linked with moves to Juventus and Tottenham Hotspur.
Capped thrice by the United States, Dest went 90 minutes in eight of Ajax’s last 10 Eredivisie matches.
Koeman has been linked with plenty of his former Netherlands charges and already has Frenkie de Jong on the books at Barca. Might a move for Dest follow?
Dest could become the long-term Bayern full back on the other side of the pitch from Canadian phenom Alphonso Davies, or link up with USMNT teammate Weston McKennie at Juve.
Which Premier League teams would make sense for Dest? Of the big boys, Spurs have just added Matt Doherty from Wolves to address their right back situation, while Manchester United and Chelsea both have young bucks on their right side in Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Reece James.
Arsenal and Man City could use a long-term answer at RB, while Liverpool would be super interesting if Jurgen Klopp’s outlook includes moving Trent Alexander-Arnold into the midfield. Everton, Newcastle, and Leicester City might be worth monitoring amongst “next tier” clubs.