Sergiño Dest denied first title as Eredivisie cancels season

Like so many around the globe, Sergiño Dest and Ajax have had their season upended by the coronavirus pandemic that is impacting the entire world. Breaking news out of the Netherlands today has confirmed that the Eredivisie has decided to cancel the 2019-2020 season rather than try to resume at some point. In addition, the league determined there will be no promotion or relegation and no recognized winner of the abandoned season.

Ajax was tied on points with AZ Alkmaar, but they lead the Eredivisie due to the goal differential tiebreaker when the season was suspended. However, due to the league decision, Ajax and Dest will be denied the title. It is probably a fair result and not much of a loss for Ajax, who have won the league 34 times. Still, it would have been Sergiño Dest’s first title with the club. Dest had solidified himself in the lineup, appearing in 20 of the team’s 26 matches this season as well as the majority of their Champions League and Europa League competitions.

One interesting item to keep track of moving forward will be whether it is Dest’s last chance to win a title with Ajax. Prior to the suspension of play, it was widely acknowledged that Bayern Munich were looking to make a move for Dest, with the right back having visited the club and the teams actively working on the agreement. There was also reports of interest from Barcelona. However, it seems likely now that a potential move would be at risk with a great deal of uncertainty still in both leagues.

Other United States internationals impacted by the decision include VVV-Venlo’s Haji Wright and the Jong PSV players who may have been hoping to see some late season minutes. With soccer worldwide for the most part suspended for quite a while, it remains to be seen what uniform Sergiño Dest will be wearing the next time we see him on the field.