After a long summer of transfer rumors, U.S. men’s national team fullback Sergiño Dest has completed a move to PSV Eindhoven from Barcelona.
The 22-year-old joins on a season-long loan with an option available to the Dutch side to make the move permanent for €11 million (approximately $12 million).
Since joining Barcelona in a €20 million move from Dutch giants Ajax in 2020, Dest went on to make 72 appearances. But last year, the fullback fell out of favor under manager Xavi and was sent on loan to AC Milan, where he appeared in only eight league matches.
Born in the Netherlands to an American father and Dutch mother, Dest is familiar with the Eredivisie after coming up through the Ajax academy.
“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 in a statement. “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.”
In his international career, Dest has made 26 appearances for the U.S., including all four of the nation’s matches at the 2022 World Cup. He becomes PSV’s third American signing of the summer, along with Ricardo Pepi and Malik Tillman after former U.S. Soccer sporting director Earnie Stewart took over as the club’s director of football.
