Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund are in negotiations with Manchester City over right-back Yan Couto. Couto has yet to play a match for Manchester City, having been on loan at sister club Girona for the past two seasons.
Dortmund Interest in Yan Couto, Brazil International
Dortmund ‘Negotiating on Price’ for Yan Couto
According to Fabrizio Romano, Dortmund have “made contact” with representatives from Premier League Champions Manchester City to discuss the conditions for the signing of Couto. Romano states that Dortmund are not willing to pay the £40 million release clause, hoping to further negotiate on the price. They are hoping to spend around £20 million.
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The “rising star” has yet to play a match for Manchester City, despite being called up to Brazil’s Copa America squad. Instead, he has spent the past two seasons on loan at Girona, a La Liga club that is owned by the City ownership group. Couto played 34 La Liga matches last season, scoring just once but providing eight assists, helping the Blanquivermells qualify for the Champions League for the first time in the club’s history.
Major Clearout at the Etihad
Despite winning the Premier League for a record fourth consecutive season, there have been many key City players linked with a move away this season. On top of Couto, one noticeable example is goalkeeper Ederson, who is linked to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad. Pep Guardiola’s side have already rejected a £25 million offer from Al Nassr earlier this transfer window.
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Moreover, club vice-captain Kevin De Bruyne is also linked with a move away, also to Al-Ittihad. De Bruyne played every minute for Belgium at the Euros where they were knocked out by France in the Round of 16 after a disappointing group stage. He’s been with City since 2015, playing 382 matches and scoring 102 goals. The Belgian star has a year remaining on his contract, and he looks like he may move to Saudi Arabia after a nine-year stint in England.
