Sergiño Dest eyes permanent Milan deal in spite of playing time

Sergiño Dest hopes to stay with AC Milan past the current campaign.

The defending Scudetto winners brought in the American international on loan from Barcelona. However, Milan does have an option to buy, making the transfer a permanent deal.

“There’s a buy option in the contract between AC Milan and Barcelona, so I will do my best here as I hope Milan will sign me on a permanent deal,” Dest claimed on Friday according to Fabrizio Romano. “I’m really happy here and I will give 100% to stay.”

“I will give my best and at the end of the season, we’ll see if the club want me or not. The only thing I can do is give my best.”

Sergino Dest: “There’s a buy option in the contract between AC Milan and Barcelona, so I will do my best here as I hope Milan will sign me on permanent deal”. 🔴🇺🇸 #ACMilan

“I’m really happy here and I will give 100% to stay”. pic.twitter.com/9SpJHja4Yp

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 16, 2022

Sergiño Dest and AC Milan – a good fit?

Dest’s remarks are interesting because he has yet to make an appearance in league play since his arrival in Italy. The USMNT defender’s only minutes for Milan have been two late substitution appearances in the Champions League. Barca mostly allowed Dest to depart the club to allow the player to receive regular time on the pitch. They eventually signed former Arsenal defender Héctor Bellerín on a free deal.

Nevertheless, Dest ultimately chose Milan over other options. He also claimed on Friday that the Serie A suits his style perfectly. “I think this league will help me become more complete,” proclaimed Dest.

“Italy is known for good defending and it’s something I can work on. It’s a different league, but I feel I need to get my full potential. I feel I can learn a lot and I can work on my defensive skills here.”

The USMNT star praised head coach Stefano Pioli’s tactics as well. “Pioli plays with full backs that go forward and for me it’s perfect. I need to be concentrated and make sure I can help the team to win with my skills. This system can be helpful for me.”

With the World Cup nearly two months ago, Dest will aim to start getting some solid playing time soon. USMNT fans also hope one of their most important players can be in full rhythm come November.

PHOTO: IMAGO / Gribaudi/ImagePhoto