Tottenham Hotspur are expected to be in the market for another right back this summer and could land a top Brazilian talent.
Tottenham Hotspur have had issues at right back – or even right wing back – in recent years.
The days of Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier battling it out are long gone and a number of signings have been made to strengthen that area over the years.
Serge Aurier, Matt Doherty, Emerson Royal and Djed Spence were all brought in but haven’t proven to be long-term solutions.
Pedro Porro has locked down the right back position though with the January 2023 signing from Sporting turning in an impressive season.
The Spaniard looks set to be Tottenham’s right back for a long time yet, but Tottenham are in the market for yet another right back signing.
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Tottenham Hotspur want Yan Couto
Tottenham will be looking for new competition at right back with Emerson Royal likely to move on this summer.
Signed from Barcelona in 2021, Emerson just hasn’t quite lived up to his billing in a Tottenham shirt.
Emerson has already confirmed that AC Milan want to sign him and a departure may be best for all parties this summer.
So where do Tottenham look next?
It could end up being another Brazilian right back to replace Emerson as The Sun claim that Tottenham are interested in signing Yan Couto.
Couto is owned by Manchester City but spent the last two seasons on loan at their partner club Girona.
The 22-year-old helped Girona defy the odds to qualify for the Champions League, leaving City to now value Couto at £40million.
A diminutive, attack-minded right back, Couto is part of the Brazil squad at Copa America this summer.
Tottenham may be watching closely with Couto a potential replacement for compatriot Emerson – even if £40million may be excessive for Tottenham.
Spurs spending that kind of money on competition at right back just doesn’t seem likely, especially with other positions needing some attention.
Ange Postecoglou almost signed Couto three years ago
There is already one interesting connection between Couto and Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou.
Back in 2021, Celtic – then managed by Postecoglou – tried to sign Couto on loan from Manchester City.
Postecoglou had just departed a City Football Group side by swapping Yokohama F. Marinos for Celtic.
Sky Sports claimed that Couto was given ‘VIP treatment’ as he watched Celtic against Jablonec whilst weighing up a move to Parkhead.
In the end, Couto chose a move to Portugal with Braga instead, leaving Postecoglou and Celtic disappointed.
Postecoglou seemingly hasn’t forgotten about Couto and, having watched him enjoy a breakthrough campaign in Spain, the Australian may be tempted by a new move this summer.