Dani Carvajal has arguably been one of the best right-backs not only in Real Madrid but also in Europe in recent times. Despite him going through a rich vein of form this season, the executives at Real Madrid know that he is aging and would want to find a replacement for him soon.
In the recent past, the Merengues have been linked with some top right-backs such as Reece James and Trent Alexander-Arnold. However, they come with a hefty price tag and even the club has not made any major moves for those two players.
A name that has emerged this season, is Manchester City loanee, Brazil’s Yan Couto who has been instrumental in Girona’s success story this season.
The 21-year-old has been impressive with a goal and 6 assists in 20 league games this season. Defensively solid, the Brazilian can get forward as well and has also shown glimpses of promise on the left flank.
Not only Real Madrid but even Bayer Leverkusen have been monitoring the player ever since Couto earned a call-up to the national side in October last year.
According to MARCA, Real Madrid see him as a “signing for the decade” as they continue their pursuit of the best young talents across the globe – this strategy has done wonders for the club so far, including signings of Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouaméni and recently, Jude Bellingham.
The Brazilian is currently contracted with Manchester City until 2025, however, Real Madrid can mimic the same strategy they used to sign Brahim Díaz from the English club – that is, paying a much smaller fee for a player who is yet to reach his full potential and is destined to do so.
Yan Couto would have a decision whether to play in England in one of the toughest leagues in the world under Pep Guardiola or continue playing in Spain, this time under 14-time Champions League winners, Real Madrid.
The European giants consider him the perfect replacement for Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez and the club is expected to make a bid for the player in the summer and test City’s resolve.