USMNT’s Sergino Dest leaves Barcelona

Sergino Destdays in Barcelona has been numbered since manager Xavi Hernandez said publicly that the United States men’s national team defender no more place in the teamMaking a move before the summer transfer window closes even more urgent for Dest.

– USMNT’s Dest completes AC Milan loan

After associated arrive Manchester United and VillarrealThe 21-year-old right-back has found his landing: Italy play for AC Milan loan, in a deal that includes an option worth 20 million euros to be transferred in perpetuity.

With the World Cup only three months away and Dest being a key figure for the US team ahead of the tournament, the timing of the move could have big implications not only for Barcelona and AC Milan, but also for for the United States national team. and for the future of Dest himself.

ESPN USA national team reporter Jeff Carlisle and ESPN Barcelona reporter Sam Marsden take a closer look.

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Why does Dest need to leave Barcelona?

A combination of factors led to his escape, and in part, he was a victim of circumstances. But while the club’s financial situation proved the final nail in his coffin, it was also true that Xavi made tactical excuses when the two spoke earlier this month.

After nearly a year in charge, Xavi still doesn’t believe that Dest is right for his style of play. He has made that clear by dropping him out of the squad for Barca’s three games so far this season. However, Dest still affirmed his desire to stay at Camp Nou; As recently as last week, sources close to the player told ESPN that he intends to stay even as a mediator and the club have been working to find him a move. .

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As the deadline approached, however, Dest decided to re-evaluate his options in part because even if he wasn’t afraid of being dropped from Team USA’s World Cup lineup, he weighed the implications of participation in this winter tournament. Qatar with the lack of regular football.

Manchester United will be his first choice. Erik ten Hag, his coach at Ajax, is keen to sign him, but United already have two right-backs Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. If one is left, they will move to Dest. Both stayed. As a result, Dest had to consider an offer from Villarreal on Tuesday after coach Unai Emery phoned him to try to convince him of the benefits of a move.

Then, late on Wednesday, Milan’s interest surfaced after Alessandro Florenziinjury at the weekend. With Champions League football on offer to the Serie A champions, a deal was quickly struck.

Dest, who has made 71 appearances in two seasons with Barcelona, ​​is hoping to regain his early form at the lower club. Ronald Koeman. A Clasico performance against Real Madrid stood out in a pretty good first season, but injuries and Koeman’s departure prevented his progress in his second campaign in Spain. – Marsden

What does AC Milan get in Dest?

Dest is capable of playing as a left or right back in a four-man defence. There have been moments when he has been used as a full-back in a back three, but right-back is where he looks most comfortable, and that seems to be the most obvious path into the Milan squad – though. Davide Calabria there will be something to say about that.

Regardless of how he is deployed, he is at his best flying forward and engaging in attack where he can combine with teammates, make crosses or cut inside and had an attack on goal. Dest has shown, especially when shooting, that he is dangerous with both feet. His first goal for America in a 4-1 win over Jamaica saw him tally with his right foot. Then in a World Cup qualifying match against Costa Rica, he unleashed a left-footed rocket into the top corner, what would ultimately be a 2-1 victory. He also holds the ball neatly, completing more than 90% of his passes in the attacking third of the last LaLiga campaign.

Where Dest sometimes tends to have a hard time defending the ball, especially with his position. It’s a weakness that can be disguised when he plays at teams like Barcelona or Ajax, which tend to dominate possession. As possession becomes more even, he can come out, although Milan are another team that tend to have more possession, with 57% of possession in games so far this season. this.

He has also struggled with consistency, which in some ways explains why Barcelona manager Xavi seems determined to replace him, possibly. Dani Alves previous season or Ronald Araujo/Sergi Roberto so far in the current campaign. But there have also been mixed messages from management, with Dest being praised earlier in the summer for his versatility but now considered expendable, in part due to the financial challenges he faced. club face.

Add that in, and it makes it difficult to appreciate Dest’s current form. He hasn’t even come on from the bench in any of Barcelona’s first three encounters at the tournament. – Carlisle

What does Dest’s exit mean for Barcelona?

Barcelona had been forcing Dest to leave for weeks. Despite informing him earlier in the summer that he was part of their plans, the club’s financial situation forced them to change their stance in July.

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The need to reduce payroll bills and raise funds to offset their spending, all while complying with LaLiga’s financial regulations, defeated the desire to give Dest an opportunity to improve. However, letting Dest go was not without risk, as he was the only naturalized defender on the team. Sergi Roberto has played in this position regularly in recent years, but usually as a midfielder. Defenders Ronald Araujo and Jules Kounde both have played there this season.

Thus, Dest’s move to Milan triggered a move for Hector Bellerinwho was at the club’s academy before joining Arsenal when 16 years old. He back to Barcelona 11 years later after Arsenal agreed to cancel his contract on Thursday.

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However, there are still many doubts that the full-back positions are Barca’s weak point. While they need Bellerin to hit the ground when running on the right, on the left they have aging Jordi Alba, who has been benched for 18-year-old Alejandro Balde so far this season. They also added Marcos Alonsoobtained in the sending transaction Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang arrive Chelseato provide further competition. – Marsden

What does this mean for Dest’s World Cup hopes – and that of the USMNT?

The level of Dest’s talent is such that, assuming he’s healthy, he’ll be on the U.S. final roster regardless of his playing situation. But his place in the starting lineup could be threatened if continued minutes are hard to find in Italy. That doesn’t mean the right-back options are different in DeAndre Yedlin, Reggie Cannon, Shaq Moore or Bryan Reynolds offers as much as Dest, especially in attack, but it will make him more vulnerable when benched.

Certainly, the need to have Dest on the field is not as much as it used to be. Appearance Fulham‘S Antonee Robinson starting at left-back gives coach Gregg Berhalter a more stable backline of options, allowing him to focus on what Dest offers him beyond right-back.

It is hoped that a move to Milan will alleviate any concerns and that Dest will enter the World Cup with the necessary level of sharpness. – Carlisle