Conflicting reports on whether Barcelona will sell Sergino Dest to Bayern Munich (Updated)

With Bayern Munich looking for a new right-back, attention has once again been turned to American youngster Sergino Dest, who moved from Ajax to Barcelona last summer. The 20-year-old was intensely courted by the Bavarians in the last summer transfer window, only to choose a future in the Catalan capital alongside Leo Messi and Ronald Koeman.

Since then, Barca have fallen into deep financial difficulties, while Bayern have had no luck finding a new RB on the market. According to Sport, the Catalan club might be willing to let Dest go if they receive a suitable offer. However, Barca want an outright sale, while Bayern Munich are looking for a loan.

This news is however contradicted by some Spanish journalists who cover the club:

No doubts regarding Sergiño Dest’s future. He has the trust & confidence of Ronald Koeman & neither does he want to leave Barcelona this summer.

Fabrizio Romano says the same, although his information probably comes second-hand on this occasion:

So which one is the truth? Bayern are definitely looking for a right-back, that much is certain. Benjamin Pavard is considered too defensive to play the wing-back role that Bayern need, unlike his counterpart Alphonso Davies on the left. Known for his offensive prowess, Dest would be the perfect right-back for coach Nagelsmann. He was also extensively scouted and pursued by Bayern back when he was at Ajax, so he’s clearly on the club’s radar.

However, it’s still unknown whether the two FCBs can ever come to a deal over the transfer of the young American. Given Barca’s desperate need to earn cash and Bayern’s need to save it, it’s looking very unlikely at the moment. Then again, the Philippe Coutinho transfer also looked unlikely at the time, but it ended up going through. It wouldn’t be out of the question for the two clubs to agree on a creative accounting solution.

We’ll keep you updated as this story develops.

Update

Christian Falk says there’s no interest from Bayern. Looks like this transfer rumor died before it even got started.