The Borussia Dortmund management appears to have reached a preliminary agreement to offload right-back Yan Couto this summer transfer window. According to internal negotiations, the German club has now finalised terms with Italian Serie A outfit Como 1907 for a temporary solution involving the Brazilian defender.
While a permanent deal isn’t on the table yet, both parties have agreed in principle to a loan arrangement. The inclusion of a mandatory purchase clause could follow, pending final discussions between the clubs. This development comes after a series of linked transactions that began in 2024, when Dortmund initially secured Couto on loan from Manchester City before activating a purchase obligation at the close of the 2025 summer transfer window for a reported €25 million.
Couto’s tenure at Dortmund has been inconsistent, with the 24-year-old often finding himself on the bench. During the final stretch of the past season, head coach Niko Kovac rarely featured him, limiting his game time to just twelve minutes across two months between mid-March and mid-May.
Como emerges as potential destination with Champions League ambition
Despite initial uncertainty, Como has now positioned itself as a viable destination for Couto. Reports earlier in July suggested the Italian club had cooled on the Brazilian, exploring alternative options for a right-back. However, current indications point to a renewed interest under new leadership, with Como’s head coach Cesc Fabregas eyeing Couto as a potential reinforcement for the upcoming campaign.
Last season, Fabregas steered Como to a fourth-place finish in Serie A, securing qualification for the UEFA Champions League. This European competition presence adds considerable appeal to the move, offering Couto the prospect of competing at the highest club level. His potential arrival would bolster Como’s defensive options as they prepare for both domestic and continental challenges in the seasons ahead.
Contract status and future outlook
Dortmund’s decision to explore exit routes for Couto comes despite the defender’s contract running until 2030. The club’s willingness to entertain loan discussions reflects a strategic approach to squad management, potentially freeing up resources while allowing Couto to regain match fitness and regular playing time elsewhere. For Como, the timing aligns with their ambition to strengthen their squad ahead of high-stakes fixtures, including Champions League qualifiers.
