Real Madrid have set sights on Girona’s on-loan right back Yan Couto as a potential competition for Dani Carvajal.
According to Fichajes, Real Madrid have added Yan Couto to their list of potential right-backs to compete with Dani Carvajal. The 21-year-old defender plays for Girona, on loan from Manchester City, who could demand around €30 million for the emerging star.
A lot of clubs are looking at Girona players after the La Liga side’s superb start to the season. After the latest round of fixtures, the Spanish side sit joint top of the table, with Real Madrid only edging them due to a superior goal difference.
They have had many prominent performers in the team, with Yan Couto taking some of the limelight with his superb performances. The 21-year-old defender has contributed with a goal and three assists in ten games, as Real Madrid are showing an interest in him.
Carlo Ancelotti reportedly wants a new right-back ahead of the January window or at least next summer. The idea of relying too much on the current first choice, Dani Carvajal, poses a risk for the club. Hence, the manager wants to bring someone to compete with the Spaniard and looks at a younger option.
Chelsea’s Reece James remains a target, but his persistent injury issues may have cast doubt over a move from Real Madrid. They might keep monitoring the England international this season, but any move in January might come as a surprise if it happens.
Similarly, they are also keen on Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong, and the young Dutchman may become a solid alternative to James. However, as per the report, the idea of Couto seems more interesting to Real Madrid from a lot of angles.
His age and relatively decent experience in Spain make him a contender, but there are questions about how Real Madrid sees him fit into their squad. He’s currently on loan from Manchester City and will return to England at the end of the current season.
Manchester City have made a killing with the sales of young players who have not featured for the club. Hence, the report suggests a figure of €30 million, which Real Madrid will only pay if they feel the 21-year-old defender can compete with Carvajal.
For now, Real Madrid might keep tracking the Girona star this season and may even consider a move in January. With the club needing a right back in the winter months or next summer, Couto will feature on their list for the time being.
