Back in the Netherlands in a rival's shirt: Barcelona get rid fo Dest in an intriguing move

Dutch Eredivisie club PSV Eindhoven signed American international Sergino Dest on a season-long loan from Barcelona. The 22-year-old thus returns to his birth country but in a totally different role.

Having spent eight years at Ajax's academy and the first team, Dest will pull on a shirt of one of the Amsterdammers' most fierce rivals.

After being frozen out by Xavi Hernandez at Barca, the Ajax boy realised playing for a rival club is better than not playing at all. Besides, PSV manager Peter Bosz likes to play attacking football, which would suit the flying wing-back well.

"PSV worked with me every day to make this transfer happen. That gave me a good feeling. In addition, I think Bosz's play style suits me. I will return to the Netherlands as the same type of footballer but with much more experience and hopefully a higher return. I can't wait for my debut."

The Dutch full-back, who represents the United States internationally, concludes his time as a Barcelona player and embarks on his second consecutive season on loan. During his time at Camp Nou, he played a total of 72 matches (56 as a starter) and scored three goals in the two seasons he was part of the first team. However, a year ago, he was loaned to AC Milan. He only participated in 14 matches for the Rossoneri, but his stature in the Netherlands clearly hasn't been tarnished.

Dest will immediately become part of the PSV squad, aiming to create the sort of influence that secures him a longer stay in Eindhoven. Their upcoming match will pit them against Scottish team Rangers in Tuesday's first leg of a Champions League play-off tie. This gives Dest a chance to prove all his doubters wrong.