Football
Exclusive: Liverpool Line Up Sergiño Dest as Alexander-Arnold’s Heir Amid Real Madrid Links
USA international Sergino Dest is a potential target for Liverpool as Trent Alexander-Arnold nears a move to Real Madrid. The right-sided defender, currently at PSV Eindhoven, has impressed in Holland's Eredivisie and could fill the void left by Alexander-Arnold. Arne Slot, set to lead Liverpool to the Premier League title, is keen on Dest's attacking prowess and experience at top clubs like Barcelona. With Alexander-Arnold's departure looming, Dest could be a key addition to Liverpool's squad.
RKC Waalwijk v PSV - Eredivisie by BSR Agency | Getty Images
USA international Sergino Dest could emerge as a target for Liverpool this summer as Trent Alexander-Arnold edges closer to joining Real Madrid.
Capped more than 30 times by his adopted country and now regarded as the best right-sided defender in Holland’s Eredivisie, Dest is contracted to PSV Eindhoven until 2028 after joining them from Barcelona last summer.
According to sources close to SportsBoom, Arne Slot has already placed Sergiño Dest at the top of his priority list should Trent Alexander-Arnold's departure be confirmed.
ANFIELD REUNION?
Slot, previously of Feyenoord, knows Dest well having observed him at close quarters during the 2023/24 campaign - which he spent on loan at PSV before agreeing a permanent switch to Peter Bosz’s side.
The 24-year-old boasts a number of qualities which appear to make him the ideal replacement for Alexander-Arnold if, as expected, the England defender completes a free transfer to the 35-time Spanish champions when his deal with Liverpool expires shortly.
Initially a forward, Dest was converted into a defender whilst progressing through Ajax’s youth academy but retains much of the attacking prowess which persuaded the Amsterdam based giants to award him professional status.
After making nearly 40 senior appearances, Dest was then poached by Barcelona where he featured 72 times and became the first American player to appear in El Clasico.
Despite not turning 25 until November, Dest possesses a wealth of experience at the highest level of the game having also represented AC Milan.
That, combined with his achievements since electing to represent the States rather than the Netherlands and linguistic skills, will make him an attractive proposition for Slot who privately concedes Alexander-Arnold is set to move on after failing to agree fresh terms.
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