Xavi Hernandez said Sergino Dest “knows what the situation is” as Barcelona put pressure on the United States defender to leave the club before the transfer window closes.
Barca need to raise funds and reduce their wage bill to be able to register €55 million summer signing Jules Kounde and Dest is one of the players they have decided is disposable.
“Being honest, we wanted to sign Cesar Azpilicueta [from Chelsea] and we couldn’t, so that’s the situation,” Xavi said in a news conference on Saturday when asked about the right-back position.
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“But we do have players to provide cover there. Ronald [Araujo] did well there last weekend, Sergi Roberto can play there and [Kounde] can as well in case of an emergency.”
Asked if Dest also remains an option, Xavi added: “He knows what the situation is.”
ESPN reported on Friday that Xavi spoke with Dest earlier in the week and told him he should look for a new club because he is no longer part of his plans for the season.
Dest, 21, prefers to stay at Camp Nou but is coming under intense pressure to agree to a transfer to help Barca register Kounde and, if possible, strengthen in other positions as well.
Barca had told Dest earlier in the summer they wanted him to stay due to his ability to also cover at left-back, but their financial position has forced them to change their stance.
