Manchester City defender Yan Couto has hinted that he may return to Girona next season.
City signed the highly-rated full-back last summer in a deal worth around £5.4million from Brazilian side Coritiba, as part of the City Football Group's mission to acquire some of the world's most promising talent.
As is typical for such signings, Couto was immediately sent out on loan to a sister club for the forthcoming season and joined Spanish second division side Girona.
The 18-year-old has enjoyed a strong first campaign in European football, playing 26 games and contributing four assists as well as a single goal.
The campaign is not finished yet, either, as Girona will play their final game of the league on Sunday before then entering the play-offs in the hope of returning to La Liga after a two-year absence.
Couto has suggested that if Girona do earn promotion then he could return to Catalonia, but nothing is yet set in stone.
"If Girona go up to the First Division it would be an excellent option for me," Couto told Mundo Deportivo.
"I have not yet spoken with my representative, or with either of the two clubs. When the season is over there will be many options and it will be time to assess it."
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Couto arrived in Spain in September and admits he was lacking fitness due to having to quarantine, but is proud of how he has developed towards the end of the season - even if there remains room for improvement.
“I arrived at Girona very badly physically," he added. "I was in Brazil doing quarantine for a long time and that is why the coach did not put me on it, it is something normal.
"I couldn't play at the level I'm doing now. I worked every day in the fields and in the gym to give my best version. I'm happy with my performance, but I think I can still raise my level even more and contribute more to the team.
"There are games in which I have been very good but others in which not and it is something that I must improve."
