It has been claimed that Manchester City are prepared to offload on their defenders, who has attracted Tottenham Hotspur’s interest this summer.
With a report on Monday stating that City will only make a major acquisition if one of their players departs the club, sales could play a bigger role in their transfer strategy than in the past — involving regular starters, other first-team players, academy graduates and project signings. Selling to another Premier League club could also help Pep Guardiola’s men bank significant fees for their potentially outgoing players.
- Is Pep Guardiola leaving Man City? Possible replacements, contract and all you need to know
Report shares Tottenham and Yan Couto revelation amid Man City exit links
One player whose future seems uncertain is Yan Couto, with conflicting reports emerging about his plans.
Earlier this month, it was reported that Couto had penned a contract extension with City until 2026.
However, it was also reported in June that the Sky Blues are open to letting the Brazilian leave the club.
The Sun (23/06/2024, page 56) have claimed that Tottenham are keen on signing Couto as an understudy to Pedro Porro — with the club looking to offload Emerson Royal this summer.
Manchester City are believed to be demanding £40 million to sell the highly-rated right-back.
It has also been claimed that there is a possibility that City could send the 22-year-old on another season-long loan after his one-year stint at Girona during the previous campaign.
£40 million would be a brilliant return for Yan Couto
If Tottenham or any club for that matter agree to shell out a £40 million fee to sign Couto, Manchester City can be satisfied. In 2020, City paid a mere £5 million (Manchester Evening News) to secure his services for Coritiba.
While the Brazilian international did display his class in a Girona shirt last season, he still remains quite an unproven commodity — especially considering the Premier League is the best league in the world.
It seems like Kyle Walker will remain Manchester City’s first-choice right-back next season, with Rico Lewis, Manuel Akanji and John Stones likely used as backup options for him.
With that in mind, potentially taking home £40 million for Couto would be great business for City.