After speaking with Pep Guardiola over the phone. Yan Couto, a defender for Manchester City, turned down the chance to join Barcelona, the player disclosed.
Yan Couto
The 21-year-old Couto, who is currently on loan at Girona in La Liga. Signed a five-year contract to join Manchester City in 2020 after initially spending £5.5 million to leave Serie A team Coritiba FC.
Couto has started 16 games and been directly involved in seven goals for Girona, the Catalan team. Which has surprised everyone by chasing the La Liga title.
The Brazilian has a deal with the Etihad Stadium through 2025, but before deciding to join the City Football Academy, he was the subject of transfer interest from Bayern Munich and Barcelona.
Although Couto has never played for Manchester City in the first team. He was not used as a substitute in the team’s FA Community Shield loss to Leicester City at Wembley Stadium in 2020.
A phone call from Pep Guardiola leads Yan to reject Barcelona transfer offer
The versatile player, who primarily plays right back but can also play across the flank in more advanced situations. He has disclosed that he turned down an offer from Barcelona in favor of moving to North West England. After speaking with Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola on the phone.
“I was sure I was going to Barca, but Pep Guardiola called me, and things changed,” Couto told Mundo Deportivo, as relayed by Sport Witness.
“When I was champion with the Brazilian National Team, I visits Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Barca.”
Girona is now leading La Liga, two points clear of Real Madrid in second place. And nine points ahead of third-place Atletico Madrid and fourth-place Barcelona.
