PSV Eindhoven have confirmed the signing of Barcelona right-back Sergino Dest on an initial loan deal.
The USA international joins Peter Bosz's side on a temporary move until the end of the 2023-24 season, and Barca have confirmed that the agreement includes an option to make his stay permanent.
PSV are reportedly set to fork out 50% of Dest's wages while the 22-year-old plies his trade in the Netherlands, and the option to buy clause is believed to be set at €10m (£8.6m).
Barcelona have also included a sell-on clause as part of the agreement, as Dest aims to reignite his career in the Eredivisie following a largely disappointing spell in Catalonia so far.
"PSV were in touch with me every day and expressed a keen desire to get me on board, which was a good feeling," the defender told the official PSV website.
He arrives! 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/VFUArux6ko
— PSV (@PSV) August 21, 2023
"And on top of that, I like the style of football they play at PSV. I think it suits me very well. I return to the Netherlands. I'm still the same player but I've gained a lot of experience and I've hopefully acquired a higher efficiency. I can't wait to make my debut."
The 22-year-old - who was born in Almere - joined the Ajax academy in 2012 and became an important player for Erik ten Hag, setting up five goals in 20 games during the 2019-20 Eredivisie campaign.
Dest was the subject of a €21m (£18m) move to Barcelona in 2020, when the Blaugrana were managed by Ronald Koeman, and he enjoyed a positive debut season with three goals and one assist from 44 matches.
However, the American's 2021-22 campaign was hampered by injuries, and he slipped down the pecking order under Xavi, despite showing his versatility by playing as a right-back, left-back and right winger.
Dest spent last season on loan with Italian giants AC Milan, but he endured another injury-hit season at San Siro and failed to score or assist in 14 games for Stefano Pioli's team.
© Reuters
The ex-Ajax man returned to Barcelona ahead of the 2023-24 campaign and did earn some pre-season minutes for the La Liga champions, but he failed to convince the Blaugrana boss to keep him on for the ongoing season.
"Sergino Dest was keen to join us, which we obviously liked. He is a very skilful and creative defender who can help the team with his explosive power and attacking intentions," PSV Director of Football Earnest Stewart added.
Dest - whose Barcelona contract expires next year - leaves Catalonia with three goals and four assists under his belt from 72 matches, as well as one Copa del Rey title from the 2020-21 season.
Now that the 22-year-old has been moved on, Barcelona are expected to finalise a deal to sign Manchester City full-back Joao Cancelo, and a loan move has supposedly been agreed in principle.
Barcelona got off the mark in La Liga with a 2-0 win over Cadiz on Sunday night, and Xavi's side are next in action away to Villarreal on August 27.
