In a recent report, Radio Itatiaia offered an update on the future of Manchester City loanee Yan Couto who is currently playing on loan at Girona. It has been claimed that Atlético Mineiro are eyeing a move to sign the Brazilian youngster from Man City.
Couto’s Loan Spell In Spain This Season
Couto has managed to put in a few impressive displays on the right side of Girona’s defence this season. The 20-year-old has participated in ten matches for the Spanish club during this campaign, receiving a total of 504 minutes of playing time in all competitions.
The gifted full-back has caught the eye at times by averaging 1.3 tackles, 0.5 key passes and 1.5 dribbles per 90 minutes in La Liga. He has even been accurate when distributing the ball from the right flank after completing 81.4% of his attempted passes in the top tier of Spanish football (stats via whoscored).
His current deal with Man City is set to expire in the summer of 2025. However, unless Pep Guardiola decides to give him a chance, it is unlikely that Couto will stay at the Etihad Stadium for the duration of his contract.
Should Manchester City Boss Pep Guardiola Cash In On Couto?
Couto can get stuck in with some solid tackles to make life difficult for the opposition attackers. He is also proficient at offering some decent service to his teammates inside the opponent’s penalty area. The Brazilian sensation can also make some driving runs with the ball down the right flank. He is primarily a right-back but can also function as a right-sided wide player if asked to do so.
At 20, Couto is still quite raw but there is no doubt that the youngster has got a promising future ahead of him as long as he can improve his all-around game with each season. He seems like a player on the rise and would only get better in the future.
At the moment, Couto is enjoying a decent loan spell at Girona where he has proven his worth as an important member of their first XI. However, he is surplus to requirements at the Etihad Stadium as Joao Cancelo and Kyle Walker remain Pep Guardiola‘s preferred choices for the right-back position this season.
Hence, Man City would be better off cashing in on Couto this January or in the summer as he is simply not good enough to challenge for a regular place in Guardiola’s squad at the Mancunian club next season.
