For the second time in recent weeks, Yan Couto has been linked with a loan move to Leeds United next season by The Athletic.
Couto will complete a move to Manchester City from Brazilian side Coritiba in July after agreeing terms with Pep Guardiola's side earlier this year.
The 17-year-old is a highly-rated young prospect having broken into Coritiba’s first-team in February.
But what is the Brazil under-17s international all about? Here is a profile on the defender.
The basic info
Couto is a 17-year-old, 5’6” right-back, born in Curitiba, Brazil.
An academy graduate of his hometown club, Couto first joined Coritiba at the age of 10 in 2013.
The teenage defender has featured twice for Coritiba’s first-team this season, his first taste of senior football.
His career so far
Couto made his debut for Coritiba in February 2020 as a substitute in a Serie A win over Cianorte. Eight days later, he made his first start during a 1-1 draw against Toledo.
The teenager was shortlisted in The Guardian’s Next Generation 2019 list where he was compared to former Brazilian international right-backs Dani Alves and Rafinha.
Man City completed the signing of Couto on March 1 in a deal that will officially be completed on July 1. Barcelona were also interested in signing Couto.
Couto has plenty of international experience at youth level. The teenager has 25 caps for Brazil’s under-17s, scoring once. He was also part of the Brazil side that triumphed at last year’s Under-17s World Cup in Brazil.
What will he add?
Couto is not the tallest or most physical of defenders, but he is known for having rapid pace - something that suits Bielsa's style of play.
Given that Pep Guardiola’s side already have the likes of Kyle Walker and Joao Cancelo at their disposal, Guardiola may want Couto to head out on loan to gain more senior experience.
Leeds have a track record of bringing in players from the Premier League champions. Jack Harrison is currently on loan from the Etihad Stadium, whilst the Whites also signed Ian Poveda from the club back in January.
