Sergino Dest will look to get his club career back on track as he has moved to Dutch Eredivisie side PSV Eindhoven on loan from La Liga giants Barcelona, the teams announced on Monday.
The loan, which is for the season, gives PSV an option at a price of $12 million should they want to make the move permanent next summer.
The 22-year-old started to make a name for himself at rival Eredivisie side Ajax as he worked his way through the academy to the first team. This ultimately led to a transfer to Spain and Barcelona in October 2021. After initially seeing regular minutes on the field for the Blaugrana, he was dropped by new coach Xavi.
After a failed loan to AC Milan in Serie A last season, Dest remained resolute as he wanted to stay and fight for a place in Barca’s squad. However, the club elected to send him out on another loan after their return from the United States.
Several teams showed interest in signing the right-back, but PSV’s director of football Earnie Stewart seized the opportunity to bring him back to the Netherlands.
“Sergino Dest was keen to join us, which we obviously liked. He is a very skillful and creative defender who can help the team with his explosive power and attacking intentions,” Stewart said in a statement.
As for the Almere-born defender, he is looking forward to getting back onto the field to play regularly.
“PSV were in touch with me every day and expressed a keen desire to get me on board, which was a good feeling,” Dest said. “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.”
Dest has been immediately included in the squad and could see action for them along with Ricardo Pepi and Malik Tillman as they head to Scotland to face Rangers in the first league of the Champions League playoff.
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