Barça show confidence Dest and will keep defender beyond January

Barcelona want to tie up loose ends in the last week of the transfer market, such as Sergiño Dest's situation. The club have decided to give the United States international a vote of confidence and he will remain, at least, until the end of the season.

Dest has been linked with different clubs in recent weeks, including Atletico Madrid and Chelsea. The right-back, who was signed by Ronald Koeman, has suffered injury problems since the arrival of Xavi Hernandez: a back pain, an abductor issue and Covid-19.

Due to those setbacks, he has been unable to be in top physical condition until now, just as Xavi was implanting his new ideas on the squad. If the sporting situation was already rocky at the club, the arrival of Dani Alves relegated Dest to a background role.

Versatile and potential

Despite that, Barça valued the youth of Dest (only just 21) and, for that reason, the room he has to improve and mature as a player. His physical qualities and technique are evident, so if he progresses tactically he could still be a good option at right-back.

In addition, don't forget that he can play as a left or a right-back. In the case that Oscar Mingueza leaves on loan and Barça can't sign another left-back this week, he will be a very handy player to have in the squad and provide competition for Alves and Jordi Alba.

All these factors have led to the club opting to keep Dest and show confidence in him in the second half of the season. Depending on how he does, a decision on his future will then be revisited in the summer.

Dest to impress

The club's posture ties in with Dest's, who prefers to stay at Camp Nou and convince Xavi of his worth. He wants to prove he deserves a player in the squad. If not, there are no shortage of offers arriving at his agent's door.

Dest has a contract until 2025 and is currently away with the USMNT playing qualifiers for the World Cup in Qatar later this year.