Former defender’s World Cup heroics could trigger unexpected windfall for Barcelona

Former defender’s World Cup heroics could trigger unexpected windfall for Barcelona

class="wp-block-paragraph">Barcelona’s transfer activity this summer may not only depend on incoming and outgoing deals involving current players.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">The club could also benefit financially from the performances of a former player who is attracting attention on the international stage.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">As the FIFA World Cup gathers momentum across the United States, Mexico and Canada, former Barcelona defender Sergino Dest is already making headlines after an impressive display for the United States national team.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">His strong start to the tournament, where the USA beat Paraguay 4-1, could have direct financial implications for the Catalan giants in the coming months.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">As reported before, Barcelona still retain a percentage of any future transfer involving the American international, meaning a successful World Cup campaign could indirectly boost the club’s finances.

Dest attracting strong attention

class="wp-block-paragraph">Dest played a prominent role in the United States’ victory over Paraguay and was among the standout performers on the pitch.

Dest was fantastic against Paraguay. (Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images)

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class="wp-block-paragraph">Interestingly, the 25-year-old was not deployed in his traditional full-back role.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">Instead, he operated further forward as a right winger, a position that United States manager Mauricio Pochettino has used him in on several occasions.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">At club level, though, the situation has been slightly different. During PSV Eindhoven’s title-winning campaign, Dest spent most of the season alternating between right-back and left-back depending on the team’s needs.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">His performances played an important role in PSV’s successful Eredivisie campaign and helped re-establish his reputation after a difficult spell following his departure from Barcelona.

Barcelona have financial interest in Dest’s future

class="wp-block-paragraph">Although Dest has left Barcelona permanently, the club still has a 20% sell-on clause from any future transfer involving the defender.

Bayern Munich are interested in Sergino Dest. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)

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class="wp-block-paragraph">That clause has become increasingly relevant as interest in Dest continues to grow.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">According to SPORT, several clubs are monitoring his situation following another impressive season in the Netherlands.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">Among the clubs linked with the American defender is German powerhouse Bayern Munich, while additional interest is believed to exist from teams in both the Bundesliga and the Premier League.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">PSV, however, are understood to be determined to keep hold of one of their most important players and are unlikely to make negotiations easy.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">However, in case of a transfer, reports suggest that Dest’s current valuation could fall somewhere between €20 million and €25 million.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">Should a transfer materialise within that range, Barcelona would stand to receive a respectable payment thanks to their sell-on agreement.