Sergiño Dest, the American soccer player currently exiled from Barcelona and on loan at PSV Eindhoven, has ruled out a return to the Catalan club as long as Xavi Hernandez remains in the role of head coach.
In a recent press interview, Dest stated, “I believe there is a discussion to be had between Barcelona, PSV Eindhoven, and myself regarding this matter, and it can be addressed at the end of the season. Perhaps I will stay, perhaps I will leave… It’s too early to tell right now.”
He further elaborated, “Xavi is still there, so I will not be returning at this time. It would be extremely difficult.”
Dest is under contract with Barcelona until the summer of 2025. He joined the club on October 1, 2020, arriving from Ajax Amsterdam for a fee of €21 million on a five-year deal that included a substantial €400 million release clause. However, he has been loaned out twice due to a lack of regular starting time.
In September 2022, Dest opted for a loan move to AC Milan with an option for the Italian club to acquire his services permanently for €20 million. Unfortunately, he only featured in 14 matches throughout the season, with just four as a starter.
Following a summer pre-season tour in the United States with Barcelona, Dest then chose a second loan stint at PSV Eindhoven, turning down a return to his former club, Ajax.
Currently, Dest is playing a key role in PSV’s leadership at the top of the Dutch Eredivisie. It seems likely that the club might exercise their option to purchase his contract or extend the loan after the current season.
During his time with Barcelona, Dest has made 72 appearances across all competitions, starting in 56 of those games and scoring 3 goals.
