Profiling Yan Couto and why he will be pivotal for Borussia Dortmund's success

Yan Couto has finally found himself a spot in Borussia Dortmund's starting XI, in which he played an important role in both wins against Bochum, Celtic, and the loss against Union Berlin. His creativity and daring attitude at the final third were precisely the reasons why Nuri Shain asked for his signing in the first place. Either as a right-back or a winger, the Brazilian prodigy will be an essential piece in Sahin's plans.

Yan Bueno Couto was born in Curitiba, in the South of Brazil, where he started his career in football for the traditional Curitiba Football Club. He arrived at the club only at ten years of age, taking his first steps as a professional footballer in 2020, but he did not stay in his hometown for long. With clubs like Barcelona aiming for his signing, Manchester City recognized his talents early on and signed him that same year.

Yan was directly loaned out after signing for the Citizens, from Girona to Braga and then back to Girona again in 2022. Following an impactful season, when he was guaranteed the starting right-back role at the Spanish club, Couto had his breakthrough in 2023/2024, scoring two goals and assisting eight times in 39 games. He helped the Blanquivermells in a historical La Liga campaign when they reached Champions League qualification, their first participation in a European competition in the club's history.