twenty two
Former Manchester United target Serginho Dest is likely to return to Barcelona after a failed loan spell in Serie A with Milan.
The 22-year-old Dest was a big concern for Eric ten Hag and United on transfer deadline day last summer.
Ultimately, however, the right-back signed for Milan on loan from tonight’s Europa League opponents Barcelona.
Diogo Dalot has started the season in excellent form and Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s Old Trafford career has been revived since the World Cup, but there are rumors that he is unstable and wants to leave in the summer.
Dest, who played for Ajax under Ten Hag, has made just two starts for AC Milan in Serie A this season.
As a result, the Italian giant will not exercise its option to buy, according to Spanish Outlet Sport.
They had negotiated a €20 million purchase option included in the initial loan agreement last summer.
Given his poor role and lackluster performances in the team, as well as his weekly salary of €115,000, it is not surprising that the AC Milan board has already decided that his full acquisition is not possible.
Manager Stefano Pioli regularly chooses not to include Dest in his squad on matchdays.
USMNT International signed for Barcelona from Ajax in 2020 after graduating from the prestigious academy, with a five-year deal that includes a €400 million release clause.
Xavi Hernández has favored Jules Kunde at right-back this season, while Ronaldo Araujo was placed at right-back in last week’s first leg against United.
AC Milan captain Davide Calabria prefers Pioli as his right-back if he is fit.
Whether United will rekindle interest in the American this summer remains to be seen.