Barcelona are still short-staffed when it comes to a few specific positions where the Catalan club desperately needs reinforcements and new arrivals to curb their lack of specialists, one such position being that of right-back.
Over the course of the current summer transfer window, Barcelona had been linked to various talented right-backs on more than one occasion, yet failed to find a concrete and feasible way to bring them over to Barcelona.
From the likes of Manchester City star Joao Cancelo to Real Valladolid youngster Ivan Fresneda, the Catalans looked far and wide to find a potential arrival for the fullback position. Yet, as Spanish outlet SPORT reports, the right-back position will be a heavily contested one, as returning loanee from AC Milan, Sergino Dest, looks set to earn his place back in Barcelona.
Despite garnering some interest from clubs such as Portuguese giants Porto among others, the player’s own priority remains to establish himself at FC Barcelona and become one of the club’s mainstays.
Speaking before the start of training almost a week ago, the American fullback stated, “…I see myself staying. Obviously, I have to prove my worth during the pre-season….,” and then proceeded to emphasize that “…It depends on me. I feel that I can demonstrate it, and I will demonstrate it. My position is to stay here and have a really good season with Barcelona…,” showcasing his intent on working hard and trying to prove himself to Xavi Hernandez.
Reportedly, the player has an estimated 12 days to impress the Catalan coach over the course of the pre-season tour in his own home country of the United States of America.
He will potentially be given chances by the coach to earn his own spot within this Barcelona team, and in a right-back spot that is currently helmed by French defender Jules Kounde, despite the latter’s specialty being that of a central defender.
It remains to be seen just how well Dest is able to convince Xavi of his quality and ability to play well within this resurgent Barcelona side, with the 22-year-old determined to find a spot back in the European elite following a disappointing spell at AC Milan.