Transfer Centre

Manchester United 'considering late move for Barcelona's Sergino Dest'

By Oliver Thomas, Senior Reporter | 30 August 2022

Man United 'considering late move for Barcelona's Sergino Dest'

Manchester United are 'exploring the possibility' of making a late move for Barcelona right-back Sergino Dest, according to a report.

The 21-year-old faces an uncertain future at Camp Nou as he has allegedly been told to leave the Catalan club before the transfer window shuts on Thursday.

Barca are keen to cash in on Dest to help balance their book amid their ongoing financial problems, and it is thought that the USA international would be available for a fee in the region of €20m (£16.7m).

Man United have been linked with a potential swoop for Dest throughout this summer, while Premier League rivals Chelsea have also been credited with an interest.

According to Sky Sports News journalist Dharmesh Sheth, the Red Devils are considering a late deal to sign Dest, but only if they agree to let Aaron Wan-Bissaka leave the club.

Manchester United's Aaron Wan-Bissaka reacts after sustaining an injury, November 8, 2021 © Reuters

A recent report has suggested that United have no intention of allowing the 24-year-old to leave this summer, despite enquiries made by both West Ham United and Crystal Palace.

However, it is understood that a departure for Wan-Bissaka is still possible if they can quickly reach an agreement with Barca over a deal for Dest.

Wan-Bissaka has fallen behind Diogo Dalot in the pecking order at Old Trafford and has featured for just four minutes as a substitute so far this season.

Dest, meanwhile, is yet to play for Barcelona this term and the right-back was left out of the matchday squad by head coach Xavi for their last two La Liga fixtures.

Barcelona have signed five new players so far this summer, with Franck Kessie, Andreas Christensen, Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Jules Kounde all arriving at Camp Nou, but they are believed to be in the market for a new right-back and left-back before the 11pm deadline on September 1.

Barcelona's Sergino Dest walks off the pitch after sustaining an injury on March 17, 2022 © Reuters

Despite their financial issues, a recent report suggests that the Catalan club still has another €57m (£48m) available to spend, although they are lacking funds in their wage budget to recruit new players.

Xavi suggested earlier this month that Dest is not in Barca's plans going forward and that the player is aware of the club's desire to move him on this summer.

"Being honest, we wanted to sign Cesar Azpilicueta [from Chelsea] and we couldn't, so that's the situation," Xavi told reporters before their victory over Real Sociedad on August 21.

"But we do have players to provide cover there. Ronald [Araujo] did well there last weekend, Sergi Roberto can play there and [Jules Kounde] can as well in case of an emergency."

When asked specifically about Dest and his future at the club, Xavi added: "He knows what the situation is."

Dest, who worked under current Man United boss Erik ten Hag during his time at Ajax, still has three years remaining on his contract at Camp Nou.