As rumors over his future continue to swirl, Sergiño Dest has insisted that he’s staying at Barcelona this season.
Dest has been linked with a move away after two years at Camp Nou, as Chelsea and Sevilla continue to be mentioned as potential destinations.
But the 21-year-old American has aimed to set the record straight, telling ESPN: “I’m happy at this club, and I will definitely stay here.”
Dest made 31 appearances in all competitions last season, as injuries hampered his progress at various points of the campaign.
When healthy, Dest was in and out of the lineup under Ronald Koeman and then Xavi after the Dutch manager was sacked midway through the season.
Though Barcelona continues to be linked with a move for Chelsea’s Cesar Azpilicueta, the club’s decision to part ways with Dani Alves could be seen as a positive sign for Dest’s prospects of significant playing time in 2022-23.
Dest, who missed the USMNT’s four June matches because of injury, has said he is focused on staying healthy for club and country ahead of the current season and the World Cup in November.
“I had two injuries last year so I don’t want any injuries anymore,” Dest said. “I’m taking it very seriously; I want to play all season and not be injured. I just want to have a good preseason. I had to train a lot during the vacation because I was still injured.”
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