Real Madrid will reportedly look to sign Yan Couto, on loan at Girona FC from Manchester City, to be Dani Carvajal’s successor.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Yan Couto is the subject of interest from Real Madrid. The Merengues are scouring the market for a right-back ahead of the 2024 summer transfer window. The 21-year-old defensive prospect, on loan at Girona FC from Manchester City, has thus emerged as a target.
Who is Yan Couto?
Yan Couto has had to bide his time since joining Manchester City from Coritiba FC in July 2020. A prodigious full-back when he arrived at the Premier League club, he would have had high hopes from his stint at the Etihad. But the Brazilian international has yet to make his first-team debut for Manchester City.
The 21-year-old has instead embarked on three loan spells away from the Etihad. Couto is currently in his second stint on loan with Girona, arriving at the Catalan club in July 2022 on a two-year deal. Since then, he has come leaps and bounds, establishing himself as one of the best young full-backs in La Liga.
The youngster has played his part in Girona’s rise to the top of La Liga this season, chipping in with a goal and six assists in 16 league outings. Meanwhile, Couto’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of Spanish giants Real Madrid.
Real Madrid Calling?
The Merengues are in the market for a right-back heading into the 2024 summer transfer window. Carlo Ancelotti currently has three right-back options in the Real Madrid squad. But a closer look reveals the need for a new player in the position.
Dani Carvajal is on the wrong side of 30 and approaching the end of his glittering career. Lucas Vazquez is best suited to the role of a backup. Finally, Nacho is in the final year of his contract and is another backup option. So, it behoves Real Madrid to invest in a right-back, with several names, including Trent Alexander-Arnold, emerging as targets. But Yan Couto is also a viable option.
The 21-year-old has gone under the radar in his professional career thus far. He does not seem to have a future at Manchester City, either. So, it will be interesting to see if Real Madrid can prise Yan Couto away from Manchester City next year.
