From Germany: Borussia Dortmund agreement to sign Manchester City defender at risk of dramatic collapse | OneFootball

Borussia Dortmund could be set to fail in their pursuit of signing Manchester City full-back Yan Couto this summer.

The 22-year-old, who has never made a first-team appearance for Manchester City, has been at the Etihad Stadium since 2020, when the Brazilian full-back moved to east Manchester from Coritiba FC on an initial five-year deal at the age of 17.

Couto penned a one-year contract extension with the Sky Blues this summer, having recently enjoyed his third loan spell at City Football Group side Girona FC in La Liga, where the defender has played during the 2023/24, 2022/23 and 2020/21 campaigns.

The full-back helped Girona secure UEFA Champions League football for the upcoming campaign, making 39 appearances and registering 12 direct goal involvements for the Catalan club.

Couto is unable to return to Girona for the 2024/25 season due to an agreement between the City Football Group and UEFA, with structural changes having been approved in order for both Manchester City and Girona to compete in the Champions League.

The defender has previously been linked with a move to Real Madrid, with the Brazilian international reportedly having a €40 million price tag this summer.

Manchester City’s price is currently stalling a deal between Couto and Borussia Dortmund according to journalist Patrick Berger, with a move to the Bundesliga club described as ‘difficult’ due to the Blues’ current financial demands.

Dortmund have already ‘agreed a deal in principle’ with the 22-year-old, with the full-back being the German club’s ‘desired’ signing this summer due to the ‘offensive profile’ of the Manchester City player.

Couto can reportedly ‘imagine’ playing at the Signal Iduna Park next season, although a transfer is proving a ‘sticking point’ in negotiations.

Couto’s Girona and Brazilian teammate Savio is expected to complete a move to the Etihad Stadium this summer, with the 2004-born forward completing an estimated £43 move from City Football Group side ES Troyes.