Barcelona watching closely as former defender’s value rises at World Cup

The United States have made a perfect start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and former Barcelona defender Sergino Dest has been one of the main reasons behind their impressive form.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side have emerged as one of the surprises of the tournament, collecting six points from their opening two matches to secure a place in the last 32 and put themselves in a strong position to top their group.

Dest has established himself as an undisputed starter under the Argentine coach. And, according to SPORT, Barcelona are closely monitoring the right-back with his value soaring at the World Cup.

Dest making an impression

After impressing in the opening match against Paraguay, where he operated in a more advanced role down the right flank, the former Barcelona defender delivered another standout performance in the victory over Australia.

Sergino Dest has been impressive at the World Cup. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

Dest’s display against the Socceroos was packed with eye-catching moments. Particularly during the first half, the PSV Eindhoven full-back produced a series of impressive plays that delighted the crowd in Seattle.

He repeatedly unsettled the Australian defence with nutmegs, slick combinations in the final third, bursts of acceleration and even a perfectly executed elastico that brought fans to their feet.

The Dutch-born American received several ovations during the opening 45 minutes and looked every bit a player who has fully recovered from the serious knee injury that once threatened his progress. His confidence and sharpness have returned at exactly the right time.

Barcelona keeping an eye

Dest’s strong performances have not gone unnoticed around Europe. With his priority being a move to a more competitive league, the World Cup is providing the perfect stage to attract interest and potentially trigger a bidding war.

Barcelona retain a future sell-on fee for Dest. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

Barcelona are following his progress with particular interest. When the Catalan club sold him to PSV, they retained a percentage of any future transfer fee, meaning any move this summer could also benefit the Blaugrana financially.

Bayern Munich still interested

Among the clubs monitoring the USMNT international, Bayern Munich remain one of the most attentive. The Bundesliga giants continue to view Dest as a serious option, although no immediate move is expected.

Bayern have recently strengthened at left-back with the arrival of Nathaniel Brown from Eintracht Frankfurt, meaning any pursuit of Dest is likely to be revisited later in the summer.

The Bavarians still consider him an attractive target, and with the World Cup providing an ideal shop window, discussions could intensify once the tournament comes to an end in July.

For now, Dest’s stock continues to rise with every performance and Barcelona are closely watching him.