I never thought I would see the day when players from the U.S. would be scattered around the top clubs in Europe. Yet here we are with Weston McKennie linking up with Cristiano Ronaldo at Juventus, Christian Pulisic being Chelsea’s No. 10, Gio Reyna scoring goals for Borussia Dortmund, Tyler Adams sending RB Leipzig to a Champions League semifinal, Konrad de la Fuente impressing Barcelona’s boss and now Sergiño Dest is on Bayern Munich and Barcelona’s transfer radars.
More about Dest deal. Bayern know how ‘timing is key’ to sign him because Barcelona can’t make any official bid now. That’s why today Bayern directors were in Amsterdam to meet Ajax [as per @MikeVerweij]. Bayern are leading the race, Barça is in talks with agents but waiting.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 17, 2020
Dest has impressed (a nice little rhyme there) with Ajax in the Eredivisie and Champions League. Last season, the American right back became a mainstay for the Dutch champions and even managed to net two goals.
A crafty player with excellent vision and defensive skills, it’s no wonder that the big boys of Europe want him. In case you haven’t familiarized yourself with Dest, here are some highlights.
Barcelona and Bayern are the front runners in signing the USMNT’s young talent. On Wednesday some reports claimed that Barcelona had sealed the deal, but Bayern is looking to swoop in with the money they received from Thiago’s transfer to Liverpool.
Thiago Alcantara to Liverpool will be a ‘done deal’ soon - as per @TheAthleticUK info.
Bayern Münich always asked for €30m as price tag and they’re gonna get it. Liverpool accepted to pay after Klopp pushing to get Thiago. Personal terms will be ok on next few hours. #LFC— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 17, 2020
If the decision was solely up to Dest, I feel like it would be a no brainer. The two clubs that want you already showed who the better team is with Bayern winning 8-2 and going on to win the Champions League.
One thing that will be certain is that Dest will have an American with him at either club. De la Fuente became the first American to start for Barcelona’s senior team and has received praise from Barca boss Ronald Koeman. Meanwhile 20-year-old Chris Richards is lurking in the Bayern ranks and made his first appearance for the senior team last season.
Dest will know his destination for the 2020-21 season soon as the summer transfer window closes on Oct. 5.
