---
title: "Leeds United: Phil Hay comments on possibility of Whites signing Yan Couto"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/leeds-phil-hay-comments-yan-couto-possible-transfer/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Ben Crump"
section: "uncategorised"
published: "2020-05-22T17:40:22Z"
modified: "2020-05-22T17:40:22Z"
---

# Leeds United: Phil Hay comments on possibility of Whites signing Yan Couto

**[The Athletic](https://theathletic.com/1825294/2020/05/22/leeds-united-mailbag-bielsa-augustin-berardi-championship/) journalist Phil Hay has commented on speculation linking Leeds United with a move for soon-to-be Manchester City defender Yan Couto.**

The 17-year-old will move to England this summer and complete a move to the Etihad Stadium for a transfer fee of [£13.6m](https://www.mancity.com/news/mens/manchester-city-agree-deal-for-yan-couto-63718764) from Brazilian club Cortiba. City have beaten a number of sides to the signing of the young defender with [Leeds being one of those interested in his services](https://theathletic.com/1825294/2020/05/22/leeds-united-mailbag-bielsa-augustin-berardi-championship/).

Hay, who formerly worked for Yorkshire Evening Post, has now said that the Elland Road club could make a loan move upon his arrival to Pep Guardiola’s side. Penning his thoughts on [The Athletic](https://theathletic.com/1825294/2020/05/22/leeds-united-mailbag-bielsa-augustin-berardi-championship/)‘s website earlier this week, he has discussed Leeds’ potential transfer plans and has told fans to keep an eye on developments regarding Couto.

The young Brazilian’s preferred position is as a right-back, so the youngster would most likely be brought in to provide cover for Luke Ayling, [who has had arguably his best season at Leeds this term.](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/luke-ayling/profil/spieler/67420)

Couto has impressed in his homeland whilst also gaining international recognition with Brazil’s under-17 side, featuring in the squad that [won the World Cup last year](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/yan-couto/nationalmannschaft/spieler/627228/verein_id/23130).

There is a [quite cordial relationship](https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/man-city-bielsa-guardiola-leeds-15671715) between Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa and City’s Guardiola, whilst a deal involving Jack Harrison has worked in favour of both clubs and the winger himself, seeing him [set to complete a permanent move](https://www.leedsunited.com/news/team-news/25105/leeds-united-sign-jack-harrison-ben-white) this summer.

Couto seems like an exciting talent and it should be of good interest for City and Guardiola to loan him to a rival Premier League club, coached by someone they trust in Bielsa.

***Do you think Leeds could agree a loan move for Couto and would it be worthwhile? Let us know in the comments section below…***