A report has claimed that Manchester City have earmarked Yan Couto as their long-term replacement for Kyle Walker.
With Rico Lewis breaking into the first-team last season, it has seemed like he was destined to be the heir to the 33-year-old’s throne.
However, the youngster recently admitted that his favourite position to play in is in midfield, where he has largely been deployed this campaign.
Yan Couto is viewed by Manchester City as their Kyle Walker replacement
Yan Couto, on the other hand, has been thriving as an a traditional right-back on loan at Girona, who are sitting in second place in La Liga so far.
The Brazilian has started in 14 out of 21 league games for the Spanish side so far while registering a goal and seven assists in what has been an impressive season.
Now, it has been reported by the Daily Star that Manchester City believe Yan Couto has the much-needed “world-class potential” to emerge as the successor to Kyle Walker in the long run.
As a result, City are believed to be intending to welcome the 21-year-old into their senior team next season and offer him a new contract as well.
Pep Guardiola himself is claimed to be keen on the former Coritiba right-back being a part of his side’s senior team in the 2024/2025 campaign.
Manchester City are believed not to have any intention of selling the youngster, who Real Madrid were reported to be interested in and feel have a chance of signing as his contract expires next year.
Huge sign of faith in Yan Couto
Considering Kyle Walker is arguably the greatest right-back to have ever played for Manchester City, the fact that the club may have decided not to sign a top replacement for him and instead, bank on Yan Couto to succeed him is a testament to how highly they rate him.
The highly-rated defender, who is already a Brazilian international has showcased his much-discussed creativity, attacking endeavour and technical brilliance in the Spanish top-flight this season.
Perhaps the Sky Blues intend to play a more attacking right-back in the future and they believe Couto would be the perfect candidate for such a role.
Whether Yan Couto embraces the opportunity of replacing Kyle Walker at Manchester City or decides to leave the club in the summer will be an interesting development.
