Manchester City’s Yan Couto watched on as Celtic sealed their place in the Europa League play-off against AZ Alkmaar. The Brazilian youngster is said to have attended the game with City Officials as Celtic ponder a move for the player. According to The Herald, the player was at Paradise as goals from David Turnbull and James Forrest sealed a 7-2 aggregate win over FK Jablonec.
Celtic are looking for a right-back and have been heavily linked with Josip Juranovic of Legia Warsaw. The 19-year-old spent last season on loan at Girona but Man City are keen on getting the player more first-team football.
Couto made 30 appearances, scoring twice and then assisting five times for the Liga 2 side. Celtic are in the market for one, maybe two right-backs that fit the manager’s style of play. Given that it was Pep Guardiola that signed Couto, and given Pep plays with IWBs, it may be prudent to use the Man City connection for another promising young player. Another City player, Ko Itakura, has been linked with a move again this week. Both players would improve Celtic’s defence and moves could be made in the coming days to ensure that they are included ahead of the upcoming run of fixtures.
Couto would be able to be registered ahead of the play-off game against Alkmaar and could be a quick fix as the manager looks to add some depth to his squad. Juranovic may also be considered but due to his involvement with Legia’s qualifiers, he would have to sit out the game against the Dutch side.
