Barcelona have confirmed that right-back Sergino Dest has signed for AC Milan on a season-long loan with an option to buy.
The USA international was forced out of his natural position by the returning Dani Alves last season and would sometimes feature in a more advanced position under Xavi.
The signing of Jules Kounde has pushed Dest down the pecking order at Camp Nou, though, and La Blaugrana are also poised to welcome Hector Bellerin back to the club on a free transfer from Arsenal.
With Sergi Roberto also capable of deputising in that area of the field, Dest's opportunities for game time decreased dramatically, and he has not played a single minute of La Liga football this season.
Manchester United and Chelsea were both thought to have been interested in a deal for the former Ajax man, but Barcelona have now announced that he has put pen to paper on a deal with Milan.
The Serie A champions also possess the option to sign Dest on a permanent basis at the end of the current campaign, but the 21-year-old remains under contract at Barcelona until 2025.
Dest arrived at Camp Nou in an £18.9m switch from Ajax in the last knockings of the summer 2020 transfer window and has registered three goals and five assists in 72 games for Barca in all tournaments, winning one Copa del Rey in that time.
Ben Knapton
