- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
HITC understands Manchester City are bringing Yann Couto back from his loan spell at Girona this week and are ready to sell him this summer.
Sources have confirmed that clubs from across Europe are keen on the Brazilian, including German champions Bayer Leverkusen, who see him as a possible replacement for another former City youngster Jeremie Frimpong.
Xabi Alonso has guided Leverkusen to the Bundesliga title but there is interest in Frimpong after nine goals and seven assists this season.
Couto could be a replacement at right wing back in Alonso’s 3-4-2-1 setup but Leverkusen aren’t alone in the race.
Serie A duo Juventus and Bologna – who both occupy Champions League qualification places in the Serie A table as things stand – are also believed to be keen.
There is also Premier League interest in Couto with up to three clubs making enquires into his situation ahead of the summer window.
Who is Yan Couto?
Couto hails from Curitiba in Brazil and came up in the Coritiba ranks, making just two first-team appearances before joining City.
Pep Guardiola side signed Couto in 2020 and sent him straight out on loan to Spanish side Girona – another club in the City Football Group.
Couto scored twice in 29 games before heading on loan to Portuguese side Braga for the 2021-22 campaign.
The 21-year-old was sent back to Girona once again in 2022, this time penning what turned out to be a two-year loan deal.
Couto has now picked up three caps for Brazil and may have one eye on the 2026 World Cup having been a regular for Brazil at youth level.
Couto stats this season
A diminutive right back at 5ft 6in tall, Couto has been a livewire down the right flank for Girona this season.
Couto has now racked up 10 assists in La Liga this season as Girona sit second in the La Liga table.
Girona boss Michel has used Couto all the way up the right flank this season, handing him 24 starts alongside eight substitute appearances in La Liga.
City will be bringing one Brazilian Girona to start to the Etihad Stadium next season having agreed a deal for winger Savio, who has been on loan from Troyes – another City Football Group side.
Couto could be moved on though, with City ready to listen to offers should they arrive for the Brazilian talent this summer.