---
title: "Leeds: Journalist makes Sergino Dest transfer claim"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/sergino-dest-leeds-transfer-claim-pete-orourke/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Henry Jackson"
section: "Follow up"
published: "2022-04-26T06:45:37Z"
modified: "2022-04-26T06:45:37Z"
---

# Leeds: Journalist makes Sergino Dest transfer claim

**Barcelona full-back Sergino Dest would be an ‘ambitious’ signing which could happen for [Leeds United](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/leeds-united-news/) this summer, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.**

### The Lowdown: Dest linked with Leeds move

Jesse Marsch will be looking to make his mark in the summer transfer window with some top players potentially coming in, assuming that [Premier League](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/premier-league-news/) safety is secured for the Whites.

Dest is one player who has been [linked](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/leeds-united-news/leeds-pete-orourke-talks-up-sergino-dest-chances/) with a move to Elland Road, with the 21-year-old likely to be allowed to leave Barceloa at the end of the current campaign.

The USA international has made [17 La Liga starts](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/379205/Show/Sergi%C3%B1o-Dest) so far this season, providing three assists along the way.

[Latest Leeds United news!](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-40/)

### The Latest: Journalist talks up possible Dest swoop

Speaking to [*GiveMeSport*](https://www.givemesport.com/87998693-leeds-16-2m-star-definitely-an-ambitious-elland-road-target), O’Rourke talked up the idea of Dest heading to Leeds in the summer, saying that it would be a good fit for him given Marsch’s presence at Elland Road. The reporter said:

> *“*He is definitely an ambitious target, but he is one that you can see makes a bit of sense, obviously, when you’ve got an American coach like Jesse Marsch, who will know all about Sergino Dest.
>
> “Dest hasn’t had the best of times at Barcelona since his arrival from Ajax and he has been linked with a move away from the Nou Camp.”

\[freshpress-quiz id=“383507″\]

### The Verdict: Perfect Ayling replacement

There is no denying that Luke Ayling has had [far from his best season](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/82877/History/Luke-Ayling) for the Whites, even though he chipped in with some key contributions along the way. The right-back turns 31 later this year, so Dest could be seen as an ideal long-term replacement for him, possibly even coming in as first-choice immediately.

Barcelona manager Xavi has [hailed](https://www.si.com/soccer/2022/02/21/xavi-sergino-dest-praise-barcelona-valencia-usmnt) the American defender as ‘great’ and ‘spectacularly good’, which says a lot about his ability, and his attacking qualities would suit Marsch’s [high-octane style of play](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/soccer/news/who-is-jesse-marsch-leeds-clubs-record-style-play-american/r84fy924jbhomujccbny3f7v#:~:text=Known%20as%20a%20%22counter%2Dpress,is%20similar%20to%20Bielsa's%20philosophy.).

The fact that Dest and Marsch are compatriots may help, too, as the manager looks to fully make his mark at Leeds moving forward.

***In other news, Leeds are reportedly stepping up their interest in one player. Read more [here](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/leeds-united-news/leeds-whites-stepping-up-timo-hubers-interest/).***