According to The Athletic’s Phil Hay, Man City wanted to send Yan Couto on loan to Leeds United if the Whites gain promotion to the Premier League next season. The Coritiba right-back is set to arrive at the Etihad Stadium in the summer, having been secured in a deal worth around €6 million. However, the Sky Blues could be keen on sending him out to Leeds United on loan, presumably in search of more game-time for the defender.
Does Couto have a future at Man City?
Couto signed a deal with Manchester City in March. The youngster has been presumably identified as a future prospect for the club, despite his promising performances in the youth competitions in Brazil.
Man City’s apparent ban from European competitions, however, could play a key role in a potential mass exodus at the club. Joao Cancelo, in particular, is widely tipped to leave Etihad, having failed to make the desired impact under Pep Guardiola. His departure will create a void in the right-back department, leaving Kyle Walker as the only reliable option.
This is something Couto could definitely take advantage of, especially given the fact that Guardiola is not against the idea of giving youngsters the opportunity to perform at the highest stage of football. That being said, the Sky Blues may still opt to sign a replacement for Cancelo, if the Portuguese international does indeed leave the club in the summer.
That means a move away from Etihad is still the best option for Couto if he is to make an impact in English football. Leeds United, in that regard, might be an ideal destination.
Man City wanted to send Yan Couto on loan to Leeds United: How does he fit in at the club?
Leeds United are in desperate need of reinforcements in the defensive department this summer. Especially in the right-back section, manager Marcelo Bielsa only has one reliable option in Luke Ayling. He has been an ever-present figure in the Leeds lineup throughout the course of the ongoing campaign, making 28 appearances.
However, given the strenuous footballing schedule in top-flight football, Bielsa will at least need a proper alternative. And that’s where Couto could turn out to be a handy investment.
The Brazilian will provide Ayling with an incentive to fight for his place in the first-team. He can also compete with academy star Bryce Hosannah, thus further improving Leeds United’s depth in the right-back department. Therefore, the Whites must look forward to signing Couto on loan this summer, in the event of their promotion to the top-flight.
