Barcelona defender Sergino Dest has reportedly emerged as a target for Jose Mourinho’s AS Roma ahead of the January transfer window.
According to a report from El Nacional, AS Roma are considering making a swoop for Barcelona defender Sergino Dest in the January transfer window as Jose Mourinho seeks reinforcements in the right-back slot.
The 21-year-old Dest signed for Barcelona in the summer of 2020 from Dutch giants AFC Ajax but has struggled to carve out a place for himself in the lineup at Camp Nou. To date, the USMNT star has featured 57 times for the Blaugrana scoring three goals and registering four assists but has been in and out of the team this season.
Dest’s defensive frailties have been an issue for Barcelona, which even forced ex-manager Ronald Koeman to play him higher up the pitch on occasions, but he failed to make the desired impact going forward either. Things have not improved much under the tutelage of new boss Xavi Hernandez either.
Dest was one of Barcelona’s worst performers in the 3-0 defeat to Bayern Munich last week, following which he was dropped from the lineup at the weekend against CA Osasuna. Following that, reports in Spain have indicated that the Catalans are ready to part ways with the USMNT international as early as January, sparking widespread interest in his services.
AS Roma have now emerged as a fresh suitor for the 21-year-old former Ajax starlet ahead of the winter window. The Giallorossi are in the market for a new right-back to provide cover and competition for Rick Karsdorp. To that end, they have been linked with a host of names, including Manchester United’s Diogo Dalot, while they are also battling Tottenham and Everton for Max Aarons of Norwich City.
Dest’s potential availability in January has alerted the Italian capital club, who have now added the Barça youngster to their transfer shortlist as well. However, the report indicates that Roma would be willing to take Dest only on a loan deal till the end of the season, whereas the La Liga bigwigs prefer to sell him outright and generate funds to go after their targets.
So, it will be interesting to see if Barcelona and Roma can arrive at some sort of compromise or whether the Giallorossi decide to pursue other targets.
