Barcelona defender Sergino Dest joins PSV on loan

Barcelona outcast Sergino Dest has completed a move to PSV Eindhoven, with the Dutch club announcing the transfer on their official website.

The 22-year-old joins on an initial season-long loan while PSV have the option to make his transfer permanent next summer.

Dest returns to Eredivisie just three years after departing Ajax for Barcelona following his emergence as one of the most promising talents in European football.

It turns out the grass isn’t always greener on the other side, as the defender endured a massively underwhelming spell away from the Netherlands.

Dest made 72 appearances in his first two years with the Spanish powerhouse, but his career at Spotify Camp Nou went downhill as he failed to establish himself as an important player.

He spent last season on loan at AC Milan but only featured 14 times for the Serie A giants, who were more than happy to send him back to Barca.

With his Barca career dead in the water, the Catalan giants were considering terminating his contract but have agreed to send him back to the Dutch top flight on loan while covering half of his salary.

The cash-strapped Spanish champions will hope the United States international impresses at the Philips Stadion as they will receive €10 million if PSV make his stay permanent.

Perhaps Dest can also enjoy some respite following his departure from Spain and will hope to relaunch his career in the division where he first made a name for himself. 

“PSV worked with me every day and that gave me a good feeling,” Dest said. “In addition, I think that [Peter] Bosz’s style of play really suits me. 

“I will return to the Netherlands as the same type of footballer, but with much more experience and hopefully a higher return. I can’t wait for my debut.”

Dest could make his PSV debut when Bosz’s side hosts Scottish Premiership side Rangers in the second leg of their Champions League play-off tie.