Unlike in the case of a majority of project signings, Yan Couto’s arrival was met with a buzz amongst the Manchester City fanbase.
The highly-rated right-back, who had arrived from Coritiba in the summer of 2020 was touted as the ‘next Dani Alves’ by many in Brazil and across Europe.
While such a tag is usually given to a number of up-and-coming Brazilian right-backs, S.C Braga manager Carlos Carvalhal had made the lofty comparison of likening the youngster to none other than Manchester City’s very own Joao Cancelo.
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In Portugal, the Sky Blues loanee emerged as one of the most exciting young prospects in the division, making 28 appearances and 42 across all competitions last term.
While one can sing Yan Couto’s praises for hours on end, a major question mark hangs around his future at the Etihad Stadium.
With Kyle Walker and Joao Cancelo being at Pep Guardiola’s disposal, it is next to impossible for any right-back in world football to displace either.
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In the latter’s case, it is likely that he will operate predominantly as a right-back next season as opposed to the 2021/22 campaign, as the Sky Blues are hot on the heels of Brighton left-back Marc Cucurella.
In a new development, Brazilian outlet Torcedores lift the lid on former Brazilian Under-17 international Couto's next career move.
As translated and relayed by Sport Witness, Yan Couto would like to leave Manchester City in the summer, and this has already been communicated to the club's transfer chief Txiki Begiristain.
It is further claimed that the talented defender is focused on finding a new club, while intending to leave East Manchester in a ‘friendly way’.
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The 20-year old is understood to be 'dissatisfied' at being loaned to Girona and S.C Braga in back-to-back seasons, with Pep Guardiola expected not to utilise him anytime soon, from the viewpoint of the player.
Additionally, it has been mentioned that the player eyes a move to a side that can ‘fight for titles’ next season, with the youngster having been offered to Flamengo by the Sky Blues.
However, other sides across Europe are now in the race for his signature such as Lille, Fiorentina, Galatasaray and Getafe.
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The report goes on to mention that the prodigious right-back is enticed by a return to his homeland, which puts Flamengo in pole position to sign him.
However, the Rio de Janeiro-based outfit will have to take the initiative of getting in touch with Manchester City to land the youngster.
With a previous claim suggesting that Manchester City were keen on sending Couto on loan within England, it is clear to see that the club were planning on perhaps readying the prospect for Premier League football one day.
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However, the Brazilian is now looking set to join fellow youngsters such as Gavin Bazunu, Romeo Lavia, CJ Egan-Riley, Sam Edozie and Darko Gyabi in departing the club this summer on a permanent deal.
Featured Image Credit: Sipa US / AlamyTopics: Manchester City, Manchester City Transfer News & Rumours, Premier League, Football, Brazil, Transfers
