Yan Couto says he has been invited to be part of Manchester City's first-team training plans, rather than immediately being sent out on loan when he arrives at the club.
City completed a deal for Couto earlier this year from Coritiba, and the 17-year-old will join the club in July when he turns 18.
The Brazilian has spoken previously about Pep Guardiola's intervention to persuade him to join City over Barcelona and how he expected to be sent out on loan to gain experience at one of City's sister clubs in Europe - a common process for academy players at City.
Now, though, Couto has told ESPN Brasil how Guardiola has decided to offer him a chance to prove himself at the club before a decision will be made to send him on loan.
"I had a good conversation with Barcelona and I thought I would go there. But then Manchester City appeared and showed me how things would be there.
"At first, they wanted to loan me out straight away, but then I spoke with Guardiola. He told me that I would do pre-season with the first team and from there it would depend on me.
"Guardiola was very attentive and said that he was really happy I was coming to the club. It was the best decision for me.
"I really wanted to do a full season in the Brazilian league, but unfortunately it has not worked out that way. I saw that I could achieve big things and I am fulfilling a dream by going to play in Europe."
