According to a recent report by the Brazilian news outlet, Gazeta do Povo (translated by the Metro), Manchester City have successfully beaten competition from Arsenal, Barcelona and other European clubs in the race to secure the services of Coritiba youngster Yan Couto.
The same source has revealed that the Citizens will sign the Brazilian teenager when he turns 18 later this summer after agreeing on a €6m fee which could double in value based on the player’s appearances in domestic and European competitions.
Couto Has Become A World Champion At 17
The South American prospect has been labelled the ‘new Daniel Alves’ by the European press due to his impressive performances for the Brazilian Under-17 team in last year’s FIFA U-17 World Cup. Couto helped his nation emerge victorious in the prestigious tournament by putting in a string of eye-catching displays from the right-back position.
The 17-year-old has already featured in 13 matches for the Brazil U-17 side and has also done well for the Coritiba youth set-up. However, he is yet to earn a senior appearance for his boyhood club, so the jury is still out on whether he can step up and prove his worth at the highest level.
What Are The Brazilian Teen Sensation’s Best Attributes?
Couto is technically superior to most other players in his age group. He is full of tricks and possesses outstanding ball control that enables him to make some penetrative runs down the right flank. The Brazilian starlet has a good football IQ that helps him get into some dangerous positions in the final third. Furthermore, he is a quick and agile defender who doesn’t mind going for a few tackles so that he can win possession back for his side.
Is Couto A Gem In The Making?
Couto’s style of play fits in well with what Pep Guardiola looks to get from his players. Hence, he will be a decent addition to the Man City academy where he could get the platform and exposure to develop into a world-class full-back someday. With the Citizens on the verge of being banned from all UEFA competitions for the next two years, Guardiola could find it challenging to keep some of his squad players happy beyond this summer. Hence, such a situation could open the door for some of the younger players to be promoted to the senior level.
Couto has the quality to be one of those players but still has a long way to go before he can reach that level. The Coritiba youth product is undoubtedly a prospect to look out for in the future, so the Man City scouting department deserves a lot of credit for winning the race to sign him at the end of this campaign.
