Sergiño Dest has to be feeling the love at PSV these days.
PSV’s players came out for Thursday’s match with Heerenveen in shirts reading “Sterkte Sergiño” on the front, and with Dest’s number 8 on the back. “Sterkte” is a Dutch expression meaning “strength” or “courage.”
The U.S. men’s national team defender will be out for an extended period after suffering a knee injury in training last week.
While Dest’s absence has created a new worry for the USMNT, PSV has been very supportive. After the injury, manager Peter Bosz made clear that he’d like to see the club make Dest’s loan from Barcelona a permanent transfer. Dest’s loan contract with PSV is said to include a €10 million purchase option.
Sterkte Sergiño ♥️#HEEPSV pic.twitter.com/qhZIfrF3JZ
— PSV (@PSV) April 25, 2024
Meanwhile, PSV followed up its latest message of encouragement for Dest by completely obliterating Heerenveen.
Dest’s USMNT teammate Malik Tillman had two goals and an assist in the game’s first 11 minutes as PSV robbed the match of any mystery. Despite being the away team, the Eredivisie leaders would pour it on, winning 8-0.
The result primed Eindhoven for a big party, as PSV could finish the night by clinching the club’s 25th Eredivisie crown. The victory at the Abe Lenstra Stadium left the Boeren 12 points clear of second-placed Feyenoord, who play Go Ahead Eagles later on Thursday.
Should Feyenoord fail to win that match, PSV will lift the league trophy for the first time since 2017-18.
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