Man City get unexpected £25m boost as transfer confirmed to Champions League rival
One of Manchester City’s summer loan departures has made his move permanent, resulting in a significant
Manchester City have received an unexpected transfer boost with Yan Couto’s loan move to Borussia Dortmund becoming permanent, resulting in the German side paying a €30m (£25m) fee.
The 22-year-old completed a short-term switch to Dortmund last summer with an obligation to buy based on performance-related criteria. Despite playing just seven games and making one 90-minute appearance, the player has already reached the threshold needed to make the deal permanent.
With the transfer now complete, it’s understood it will be made official in January, although neither club have officially announced it.
The move further bolsters City’s finances after a summer in which the club earned £146m from player sales. Couto’s exit pushes that figure beyond the £170m mark.
As part of the transfer, City have agreed matching rights on any future bid accepted by Dortmund for Couto. There is also a significant sell-on percentage of any future sale included.
The Brazilian joined City in 2020 but never made a single appearance for the club. He spent two seasons on loan at sister club Girona and another with Portuguese club Braga. Couto has earned four international caps, the last of which came in June.
“For me it's a dream come true," the defender said over the summer when his switch to Dortmund was first announced. “Borussia Dortmund is a special club. Every child in Brazil knows how great this club is.
“I can't wait to wear the BVB shirt for the first time and experience the power and emotions in this brilliant stadium.”
Couto could even face City this season with Dortmund competing in the Champions League, and he has played in both of club's wins over Club Brugge and Celtic in recent weeks.