After months of speculation and a reported agreement with another club, Barcelona have finally got their man. Sergiño Dest has completed his move to the Camp Nou on a five-year deal, bringing loads of potential and a bright future with him.
Barcelona Confirm Sergiño Dest Signing
Finally the Proper Dani Alves Replacement?
Ever since the iconic Brazilian right-back left Barcelona, there has been a gaping hole in that position. Nelson Semedo attempted to fill that gap but, in his three years, he struggled to tactically adapt to Barcelona.
Meanwhile, Sergi Roberto also had his opportunities, but he is simply not fast enough to play in that position. This is why Dest can be a massive signing. The American is not the strongest and not the best defensively, but he is fast, he is young and, most importantly, he understands the positional play of Barcelona.
Not every footballer can succeed at a club like this, regardless of their talent (like Semedo). Similarly, not every Barca footballer would succeed in a different system.
Barcelona players need an attacking system to thrive, and they need to focus on passing and movement, the two most important facets of the game. Dest has that, and he has the required creativity as well.
It will take time for him to grow into the role, and for his defensive skills to improve. However, this is the first time since Dani Alves’ departure that a young right-back really has a chance to lock that position down for years.
Battle With Bayern
Barcelona were not the only club in for Dest. In fact, for a time it seemed that Dest was heading to another top club in Europe; Bayern Munich. Since Barcelona could not come up with the money before they sold Semedo to Wolverhampton Wanderers, Dest needed another option.
That option was the Bavarian giants, who were determined to make him the next Alphonso Davies. Ajax were keen to do business with Bayern as well since their money was secure. However, Dest had always made his priority very clear, and that was Barcelona.
The only issue was the fee, which is a steal at Dest’s age at a reported €22 million. When Barcelona decided to sell Semedo, they got almost double the money they’d then spend on Dest, so that took care of it.
Now, Dest gets his dream move, and Barcelona get an excellent player for the present and future. Of course, beating Bayern in something after the Champions League debacle can’t hurt either.
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