Manchester City have confirmed the signing of Yan Couto on a five-year deal from Coritiba. The 17-year-old will officially join City this summer when the transfer window opens. He operates as a right-back in Brazil and could be a long-term replacement for Kyle Walker.
Couto has represented Brazil 13 times at u17 level and won the u17 World Cup in November 2019, creating more chances than any other player at the tournament. The defender has great potential and is joining the perfect club for the sake of his development.
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Pep Guardiola has shown a willingness to give opportunities to the youngest players in the squad – Phil Foden (13 league appearances), Eric Garcia (six league appearances). City have five players who are 23 or under, so Couto should be confident that there’s a pathway for youth players to the first-team.
With Walker and Joao Cancelo for competition at right-back, it’s unlikely the 17-year-old will get much football at senior level next season. But if he can impress Guardiola in the u23s, or if he’s loaned out to another club, then he’ll give his new manager a lot to ponder.
The fact Couto has signed a five-year deal shows that the Citizens are thinking of the future.