After months of uncertainty, Borussia Dortmund appears poised to finalize the transfer of right-back Yan Couto to Serie A outfit Como 1907, a club with ambitions to compete in the upcoming UEFA Champions League season.
Summer transfer saga nears conclusion as Dortmund explores options
Sources close to the situation confirm that an agreement in principle has been reached between the German giants and the Italian club regarding a temporary move. While a permanent transfer was initially discussed, the current proposal centers on a loan agreement with a future purchase option attached—an arrangement that could be finalized in the coming weeks.
Couto’s Dortmund journey marked by inconsistency and high costs
The 24-year-old Brazilian defender joined Dortmund in 2024 on loan from Manchester City, with an obligation to buy clause that was triggered multiple times the following year. Over the course of two seasons, the club invested heavily—totaling €25 million in permanent acquisitions—despite Couto rarely featuring as a starter. His playing time dwindled further under coach Niko Kovac, who relegated him to the bench during the final stretch of the campaign, limiting him to just 12 minutes on the pitch between mid-March and mid-May.
Como emerges as unexpected destination for the Brazilian full-back
Como’s interest in Couto initially cooled earlier this summer, with reports suggesting the club was pivoting toward alternative right-back options. However, the arrival of manager Cesc Fabregas—who previously guided the team to a fourth-place finish in Serie A—has reshaped the club’s transfer strategy. Fabregas is now eyeing Couto as a key defensive reinforcement for the upcoming season, which will include Champions League football.
The Brazilian’s contract with Dortmund extends until 2030, but the club’s willingness to explore a departure reflects both his limited playing time and the financial pressure to optimize squad balance. For Como, securing Couto would not only bolster their defensive depth but also provide a pathway to Champions League action, a coveted opportunity for the northern Italian side.
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