Man Utd target Sergino Dest explains AC Milan transfer, says he has one day to decide future
Reported Manchester United transfer-window target Sergino Dest says he “didn’t even think twice” before agreeing a deadline-day loan move to AC Milan.
The USMNT star was not part of Xavi’s long-term plans at Barcelona, but he did not move on until the last few hours of the transfer window. A statement on Milan’s website late on Thursday night stated: “AC Milan is pleased to announce that Sergino Gianni Dest has joined the club on loan from Barcelona FC, with an option to buy.”
Dest had been linked with a move to Old Trafford by a number of different sources. Erik ten Hag gave Dest his big break at Ajax and he was understood to be keen on reunion with the Dutch-born full-back.
Sport claimed that Dest was mulling over a number of options, including a loan proposal from Villarreal. Dest was said to be open to the idea and talks took place. But the paper suggested Dest was favouring a move to Old Trafford.
Fabrizio Romano even said the decision was down to Dest, with Barca hoping to free up his salary and a squad place. Sport claimed Dest had “opted” for United, but no deal materialised.
It was well documented that Dest’s arrival was dependent on United offloading Aaron Wan-Bissaka. And there was interest from Crystal Palace and West Ham in the defender, who cost United £50m in 2019.
But neither proposed a deal suitable to United, with the Manchester Evening News suggesting there were “a lack of takers” for the former Palace man.
That left Dest with a quickfire decision to make. And he has admitted he had a day to decide before giving the Rossoneri the green light.
Dest set for wing role
Dest told AC Milan’s official website: “I need to get minutes for the World Cup. I need to play, not only for the World Cup, I just want to play always.
“They gave me a great opportunity so I didn’t even think twice. I was like, I have to do it, I have to play.
“It was an easy decision to make. Everything happened really quickly, like in one day. I had to make a decision really quick to change my life. To go to another club, in another country, in another culture.
“I love this club and it’s a club I wanted to play for when I was younger. And I think this is a nice step for me and a good chance to play again.”
Dest no doubt would have been a good option for Ten Hag. At 21, he has a wealth of potential and he has the pace to play further forward. In fact Milan are understood to be planning on using Dest as a winger.
La Gazzetta dello Sport, via MilanNews say that coach Stefano Pioli believes Dest has the suitability to become an attacking option at the San Siro.
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