Reported Celtic target Yan Couto receiving plenty of pre-season opportunities at Manchester City

By David Walton

August 4, 2021

Reported Celtic target Yan Couto may have been linked with a summer move, but it appears he’s still very much being watched closely by Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.

Couto was linked with Celtic two weeks ago by Sky Sports, who claimed the Hoops wanted to bring in the 19-year-old right-back. However, earlier this week, Portuguese outlet A Bola reported that Braga had enquired about the player’s availability.

As of yet, there’s been no update on where Couto could end up this season. Instead, the player has been given several big chances by Pep Guardiola to impress the City boss in pre-season.

Man City have faced off against Preston North End, Barnsley, and Blackpool respectively. Couto has been involved in all three games as he continues to train with the senior side.

Even when Guardiola reduced the number of youth players involved with the City first-team this week, Couto has remained involved. The Brazilian played 45 minutes against Preston, 20 against Barnsley, and 10 vs Blackpool.

Yan Couto has big decision to make regarding Manchester City future

Couto simply has a massive decision to make on his City future. With so many of the Citizens’ first-team squad still to return to action, he’ll have to be realistic.

It’s incredible for him that he’s even being considered by Guardiola. That he’s even been featuring regularly at right-back for the EPL champions in pre-season.

But is he really going to get minutes when the main men return? Will Guardiola seriously drop Joao Cancelo and Kyle Walker just to give Couto some minutes? That seems unlikely if you’re being generous.

Of course, chances are Couto is just another potential option for Celtic. Much of the speculation over the last week regarding a right-back has been revolved around Antwerp’s Aurelio Buta [Daily Record].

As we continue to see who Celtic bring in for what’s become a priority position this summer, Couto is continuing to enjoy himself under Guardiola. Time will tell whether these chances will keep coming into the new season, but the smart money would be against it.

Even so, given the Portuguese interest in the City starlet, this could be one Celtic need to move quickly on.

In other news, Carl Starfelt wants to use Celtic move to launch Sweden career