Manchester City give green light to Kyle Walker replacement for 2024/25 season

Redaction Flinster Blake with Freddie Pye
Published on 2024-01-29 10:47:00

Pep Guardiola and Manchester City are reportedly preparing to bring Brazil international right-back Yan Couto into their first-team set-up from next season. Couto, a former Coritiba wonder-kid, is currently playing for City Football Group side Girona in La Liga, where he has contributed one goal and seven assists in 21 appearances this season.

Couto joined Manchester City in 2020 and was subsequently loaned to Girona before moving to Portuguese side SC Braga in 2021/22. After a lacklustre stint in Portugal, he returned to Girona and extended his agreement with Manchester City for a further year during the recent summer transfer window.

The Daily Star’s Harry Pratt reports that Manchester City has been impressed with Couto’s performances and will promote him to the first-team squad next season, offering him an improved contract at the Etihad Stadium. Despite interest from other European clubs, the report states that Manchester City has no intention of selling Couto and will negotiate a long-term deal with the 21-year-old.

With Kyle Walker nearing the end of his career, Manchester City believes Couto is a ‘natural successor’ to the England international with ‘world class potential.’ The club has been linked to Tottenham’s right-back Pedro Porro, whom they previously signed and sent on successful loan spells to Sporting CP. However, negotiations with Spurs could be challenging due to Porro’s performances, and the transfer fee could exceed the £50 million paid for Kyle Walker in 2017.

These developments indicate that Manchester City is planning for the future by integrating young talent like Yan Couto into their first-team squad while also considering other options for the right-back position. As Guardiola and Manchester City look ahead to next season, the focus is on building a strong and competitive squad to maintain their success in domestic and international competitions.

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