Barcelona and Manchester United are reportedly discussing a like-for-like swap deal involving Sergino Dest and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
According to a report by Spanish publication SPORT, discussions between Manchester United and Barcelona are intensifying for several players. The latest meeting is focused on two unwanted right-backs, with Barcelona proposing a like-for-like swap deal involving Sergino Dests and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka was a hot property when he joined Manchester United from Crystal Palace over three years ago after a solid 2018/19 campaign with the Eagles. But the 24-year-old has blown hot and cold during his stint with Manchester United, as he was top-notch in his debut season with the Red Devils before producing sub-par displays in the last couple of campaigns.
The former Crystal Palace defender has now fallen behind Diogo Dalot in the pecking order at Old Trafford. Wan-Bissaka is yet to start a game for Manchester United thus far this season, with Erik ten Hag preferring Dalot as the first-choice right-back. But that has not stopped several high-profile clubs in Europe, including Barcelona, from setting their sights on him.
The Catalan giants have been in the market for a right-back for several weeks, with Dani Alves’s departure as a free agent first pushing them to bolster the position. And Barcelona’s eagerness to sign a new right-back grew after Sergino Dest failed to make an impression on Xavi Hernandez during the pre-season tour to the USA.
Dest is now surplus to requirements at Camp Nou, with Manchester United among his primary suitors this summer. Meanwhile, Barcelona initially wanted to sign Cesar Azpilicueta before the Chelsea captain signed a new contract with the west London club. Several right-backs have emerged on Barcelona’s radar since then, including Wan-Bissaka.
Wan-Bissaka’s Manchester United teammate Diogo Dalot has also popped up as a target for Barcelona, but the Red Devils are not interested in selling the Portuguese international. As for pursuing Wan-Bissaka, the Catalan giants have proposed a swap deal to Manchester United, with Dest on offer.
The like-for-like swap deal should arouse Manchester United’s interest, considering they get to secure the services of Dest while getting an unwanted player off their books. So it will be interesting to see how the meeting between the Red Devils and Barcelona progresses as the summer transfer window draws to a close.
