Barcelona Are Facing Tough Competition For This La Liga Full-Back: Is He Worth The Fight? | OneFootball

In a recent report, Fichajes mentioned that Barcelona are facing tough competition for Girona full-back Yan Couto, who is currently playing on loan from Manchester City. It has been stated that the Catalan club would have to rival Arsenal and Manchester United in the race to land the Brazilian defender this summer.

Couto has enjoyed a decent loan spell at the Spanish club after putting in a run of impressive displays on the right side of their backline. The Brazilian talent has been involved in 38 matches for Girona this season, netting two goals and picking up ten assists in all competitions.

The 21-year-old has caught the eye at times on the right flank as he is averaging 1.3 tackles, 0.5 clearances, 0.9 shots, 0.8 key passes and 1.4 dribbles per game in La Liga. He has even been accurate when distributing possession after completing 82.3% of his attempted passes in the top tier of Spanish football (stats via whoscored).

His current contract at his parent club Manchester City will expire at the end of next season which could open the door for Barcelona to sign him on the cheap later this summer.

Girona’s Brazilian defender #20 Yan Couto reacts during the Spanish league football match between Deportivo Alaves and Girona FC at the Mendizorroza stadium in Vitoria on May 10, 2024. (Photo by Ander Gillenea / AFP)

Barcelona Are Facing Tough Competition For Couto: Is He Worth The Fight?

Couto loves a tackle and doesn’t mind putting his foot through the ball when required. He is a decent dribbler with the ball at his feet and can create a few promising chances for his teammates to find the back of the net. The Brazilian sensation can even shoot the ball with power and precision from long range and can chip in by scoring and creating a handful of important goals for his team from the right flank.

Couto mainly operates as a right-back but can also play as a right-sided wide player if asked to do so. We can expect someone with his skillset and versatility to enhance the quality of Barcelona head coach Xavi’s match-day squad.

At 21, Couto has the potential to be a future star in Spanish football as long as he continues to develop with each year. Hence, he would be well worth the fight, so the Catalan club should focus on stepping up their efforts to land him at the end of this campaign.