With the new Bundesliga season on the horizon, all eyes are on the summer signings that could make a real impact. One player that stands out for Borussia Dortmund is Yan Couto, a name you might want to keep an eye on this season.
Yan Couto’s journey to Dortmund is interesting. Officially, he’s on loan from Manchester City, but his connection to the English club has been pretty distant. He never trained with them or played a game in their colors. Instead, he made his mark at Girona, a club within the City Football Group, where he became a key player. Couto’s versatility on the right side of the field, combined with his ability to contribute offensively, was evident in his 34 appearances in La Liga last season, where he tallied one goal and eight assists.
Borussia Dortmund has had a long-standing issue at right-back, especially after Lukas Piszczek’s form dipped and Achraf Hakimi’s loan ended in 2020. Last season, the club had to make do with Marius Wolf or Julian Ryerson on the right side, with Ryerson proving to be a reliable, but somewhat limited, option. This is where Couto’s attacking flair could make a big difference. Under Nuri Sahin’s expected more aggressive style of play, he will crucially push the ball forward and create opportunities. Plus, with players like Serhou Guirassy ready to finish off his crosses, Couto could quickly become a fan favorite.
That said, there’s a trade-off. Couto might not be as defensively solid as Ryerson. While Ryerson excelled in defense under Edin Terzic’s more cautious approach last season, Couto will have to rely on the support from Dortmund’s strong defensive lineup, including Waldemar Anton, Nico Schlotterbeck, and Niklas Süle, to cover for any weaknesses.
Overall, Couto’s arrival feels like a smart move for Dortmund, addressing a problem that has lingered for years. Given the struggles of his predecessors, Couto doesn’t have to do much to be seen as a success. The expectations aren’t sky-high, but if he can bring the same energy and skill he showed at Girona, he might just be the solution Dortmund has been waiting for.
