Leeds United are interested in making a move for Barcelona star Sergino Dest in the summer transfer window.
If reports from Teamtalk are to be believed, Leeds United are keeping tabs on Barcelona star Sergino Dest as they head into the 2022 summer transfer window.
The Whites replaced Marcelo Bielsa with Jesse Marsch as manager earlier this season and have seen their decision vindicated by a slight upturn in fortunes. Leeds are now seven points above the relegation zone and can afford to draw plans for the upcoming transfer window.
The Yorkshire outfit appear ready to back their new manager and have earmarked the right-back spot as one position that needs reinforcing. While not the top priority, Dest is seen as a player who can come in and offer them something more ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.
The American international moved to Barcelona from Ajax Amsterdam in 2020 but has since seen himself fall down the pecking order at Camp Nou. He has made 68 appearances for the Blaugrana, scoring thrice and assisting four more.
Xavi Hernandez is slowly yet surely stamping his authority at Barcelona, and the club might not consider Dest to be a part of their long-term plans. This could work in Leeds’ favour as they pursue the 21-year-old’s signature.
Dest is still far from his prime and has much to do to realise his potential. However, his ability cannot be questioned, and under the right guidance can step up his game. During his time at Red Bull Salzburg, Marsch showed an eye for developing young talent and could help Dest flourish at Leeds. Both of them being Americans could also prove to be a bonding factor.
Luke Ayling is currently the first-choice right-back at Elland Road, and Dest might need to play a backup role before potentially going on to make the position his own. More so, his ability to also do a job on the other flank could prove telling, given that Leeds are also in the market for a left-back.
Junior Firpo has failed to live up to expectations and could do with some competition. Anderlecht’s Sergio Gomez is already being considered as an option and is an excellent choice given the performances this season.
However, since Dest can do a job on either flank, it makes more sense for Leeds to kill two birds with one stone by going for the Barcelona man. Whether the 21-year-old will end up plying his trade at Elland Road in the 2022/23 season remains to be seen.
