Manchester City look set to beat Barcelona to the signing of young Coritiba right-back Yan Couto, according to reports in the Brazilian media.
The 17-year-old, who has also been linked with Arsenal, is a player in high demand after helping Brazil’s Under 17s win the World Cup late last year. Barca were said to be favourites for the teenager but it is believed that the Citizens have offered a deal worth up to €15m (£13m) for the player.
A lot of supporters on Twitter are excited by the prospect of City signing Couto:
Great player!
— Pedro G ?? (@PedrodiedrichG) 30 January 2020
He looks better than Dani Alves. Extremely versatile. Quite a beast of a Right Back at that age. Question is will he be granted the work permit?
— Ken (@_Wewa_) 30 January 2020
Glad we got him. My hope is that he grows to be above 6'ft. Can't wait to see him play. Go City!
— Noles/MCFC (@FerrisLawrence) 30 January 2020
It's like watching Angelino on the right
— Son of the Soil (@Laide__) 30 January 2020
So sell Kyle Walker?
— Z. Abdullah (@abdullahZ2004) 30 January 2020
While other fans are not sure whether he is needed:
Won't ever play for us, lets be honest
— beastybernardo (@beastybernardo) 30 January 2020
Yeah, cos that's the problem
— SC (@5amrat) 30 January 2020
we have more than enough rightback already
— Luz (@imlehluZ) 30 January 2020
It is being reported that City will pay upwards of €9m (£7.6m) up front for the Brazilian Under 17 international with the remaining €6m (£5m) being paid in add-ons once he becomes a first-team player.
The Manchester club have had success with signing youngsters from Brazil in the past, most notably Gabriel Jesus, and they will be hoping that Couto can make the jump to senior level in the not too distant future.