Sergino Dest looks set to leave Barcelona and move to the Premier League this summer. Leeds are the latest club to throw their hat into the ring, ahead of Chelsea and Arsenal – and a move to Elland Road is his best move.
Dest, 21, has been in and out of the Barcelona side this season. He has featured in 27 of his side’s 41 league and cup encounters, starting only 21 times. He has managed 90 minutes on just 13 occasions this term.
Barcelona’s financial issues are no secret and if they are to bring in new signings this summer, it is likely Xavi will have to axe a number of fringe players. Dest falls into that category, and a move to England is on the cards.
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TeamTalk say Leeds are keen as the American influence on the Yorkshire club grows; Jesse Marsch, the San Francisco 49ers, Brenden Aaronson and now potentially Dest – a player branded “fantastic” by Dani Alves.
But earlier reports from SPORT claim Arsenal and Chelsea are also keen, too – with a £17million fee required to twist Barca’s arm. But which club is best for Dest, at this point in his career? Here is why Elland Road is ideal.
Why Dest should choose Leeds over Arsenal and Chelsea…
A move to Chelsea would see Dest be involved, but he would be far from first choice. Tuchel’s three-at-the-back system suits Dest as a wing-back, but Reece James is easily first choice. Dest would only be a back-up.
Mikel Arteta uses a four-man defence, requiring a slightly-more defensive right-back. Takehiro Tomiyasu fills that void currently, with Cedric Soares impressing. Again, he would not be first choice at The Emirates.
But at Leeds, with Luke Ayling turning 31 in the summer – Dest would be first choice. It is likely that as Ayling gets older, he will move into the middle of the defence. Leeds need a right-back, with Cody Drameh out on loan.
Jesse Marsch’s attacking, free-flowing style would suit Dest and working under an American manager – the bond will be strong. He needs to be regularly playing in a World Cup year and Leeds would be perfect.
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