Yan Couto has now revealed that he came close to joining Barcelona in 2020 before moving to Manchester City.
The 21-year-old spoke in an exclusive interview with Mundo Deportivo.
So, what did Yan Couto say about his decision to join Manchester City? Let’s take a look…
What Yan Couto said about Barcelona and Manchester City
Well, the Brazilian is currently shining on loan at Girona from Manchester City.
Couto has scored one goal and provided four assists in 15 appearances as Girona sit top of La Liga.
However, the South American could have been doing the business in Spain for Barcelona instead.
Couto said: “When I was champion with the Brazilian National Team, I visited Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Barca. I was sure I was going to Barca, but Pep Guardiola called me, and things changed.”
Clearly, the input of the Spaniard – arguably football’s greatest ever manager – swayed the Brazil international towards Manchester.
Manchester City supporters are yet to see anything of Couto – he has never made a senior appearance for the Citizens.
However, it sounds as if an opportunity could soon arrive for the Curitiba-born prodigy on the right of Guardiola’s defence.
Manchester City thinking about life after Kyle Walker
According to the Independent, Manchester City are already thinking about a long term replacement for Kyle Walker – who turns 34 in May – with Reece James being considered.
However, the Chelsea No.24 is very injury prone, so any deal would be a major risk.
In our view, Couto should be Walker’s eventual replacement if he can maintain his stunning level of performance.
It speaks volumes that Bayern Munich and Barcelona tried to sign the Brazilian defender during his time at Coritiba.
Couto is clearly a huge talent, so Guardiola should look to get him involved once Walker begins to fade.
