Barcelona have signed Sergino Dest from Ajax for €20m.
After replacing Quique Setien as head coach of the Blaugrana, Ronald Koeman was tasked with reinvigorating a squad which had failed to win silverware for the first time in 12 years in the 2019/20 campaign.
Several players including Luis Suarez, Ivan Rakitic, and Arturo Vidal had been deemed surplus to requirements at the Camp Nou and were subsequently sold.
Another player who left was right-back Nelson Semedo who joined Wolves.
With only Sergi Roberto as a senior right-back, Koeman prioritised acquisition of another defender to challenge for that position, and has now got his wish with the signing of 19-year-old Dest.
Sergino Dest, Eredivisie 19/20
Stat | Score |
Apps | 20 |
Assists | 4 |
Tackles P90 | 1.6 |
Interceptions P90 | 1.1 |
Ball Recoveries P90 | 6.1 |
Duels Won P90 | 4.5 |
Crosses P90 | 2.6 |
Final Third Passes P90 | 19 |
Touches P90 | 72.7 |
Average Rating | 6.8 |
Both Barcelona and Bayern reportedly had bids accepted for the USA international, but the player ultimately chose to sign for the former.
When Dest makes his debut he will become the first American in history to feature for the first team.
He has signed a five-year deal with Barca.