Borussia Dortmund fullback Yan Couto appears to be closing in on a season-long loan move to Como. Kicker reports that the 24-year-old Brazilian missed Dortmund training in order to conduct talks with another club. Fabrizio Romano adds that Dortmund and Como have now reached an agreement over the proposed transfer.
As previously reported, negotiations between the two clubs had recently resumed after earlier discussions stalled over the financial structure of the deal. Como are now expected to pay Dortmund a €2m loan fee. The agreement also includes a purchase option worth a reported €20m, which would allow the Serie A club to sign Couto permanently next summer.
The former Manchester City defender joined Dortmund initially on loan in the summer of 2024 before the Bundesliga club activated an obligation to purchase him. Couto has nevertheless struggled to establish himself as the undisputed first choice on the right side. Julian Ryerson remains ahead of the Brazilian in Dortmund’s defensive hierarchy following an impressive second half of last season.
Head coach Niko Kovač has also continued experimenting with Maximilian Beier in a deeper wide role during preseason.
Beier featured as a right wing-back in Dortmund’s friendly against FC Tokyo after previously being used on the left side during the closing stages of the previous Bundesliga campaign. The Germany international’s pace, attacking movement and willingness to work defensively provide Kovac with another alternative on either flank.
The continued development of Beier as a wing-back could help Dortmund compensate for Couto’s expected departure. Ryerson remains the established starter on the right, while Daniel Svensson and young Brazilian Kauã Prates are among the options available on the opposite side.
Couto’s absence from training suggests that the transfer is now entering its final stages.
An official confirmation could follow once the player completes the remaining talks and formalities with Como.
