Yan Couto’s Como Revival Raises Questions About Borussia Dortmund’s Transfer Call
Yan Couto’s fortunes have changed dramatically in a short time. At Borussia Dortmund, the Brazilian right-back struggled to secure a regular place and was viewed as a costly squad option the club could move on. At Como, he has become a trusted starter in a team challenging near the top of Serie A—and one that may be keen to sign him permanently.
The contrast has renewed debate over whether Dortmund misjudged Couto’s ability or whether the 24-year-old simply needed a better tactical fit. His resurgence also offers a fresh reminder that a player’s value can depend as much on a team’s system and coaching as on individual talent. For Como, the early signs suggest their loan deal could prove a smart piece of business.
Why Couto’s Dortmund spell fell short
Dortmund brought Couto in during 2024 on an initial loan from Manchester City, reportedly paying a fee of €4 million. Nuri Sahin, then the club’s head coach, was a strong advocate for the move and pushed to bring the Brazilian to Germany despite reservations among senior figures at the club.
The agreement included an obligation to buy, reportedly worth €20 million in total, if certain sporting conditions were met. Reports in October indicated that the clause was likely to be triggered, even though Couto had not yet convinced consistently in his early appearances. He made eight Bundesliga starts in his first season, a modest return for a player expected to contribute regularly.
His prospects became more complicated as Dortmund’s coaching situation changed. Sahin departed, and Niko Kovac took charge. Couto then faced increased competition for the right-back role from Julian Ryerson, whose high work rate and attacking output made him difficult to displace. Ryerson recorded 15 league assists last season, underlining why Dortmund increasingly relied on him.
In that context, Couto’s reported €20 million price tag looked substantial for a player who was no longer a first choice. Dortmund’s willingness to let him leave was therefore understandable from a squad-planning perspective. But the Brazilian’s later performances in Italy have made the original assessment look less straightforward.
Como offer a different role—and a better fit
Como’s interest surprised some observers, but the club’s ambition has grown quickly. Managed by former Arsenal and Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas, the side has built a competitive squad through a series of shrewd signings. Como reportedly paid a €3 million loan fee for Couto and negotiated a €20 million option to buy.
Fabregas made clear that he saw qualities in the defender that could suit Como’s approach. He described Couto as brave and technically gifted, highlighting his energy, forward movement and ability to offer different options on the right flank. Those qualities were present at Dortmund too, but Como have given them a more defined role.
At Dortmund, Couto was often associated with a wing-back position, where his attacking instincts could be exposed if the team needed him to defend large spaces. Como have regularly used him as a right-back in a back four. The change has not removed his attacking responsibilities; instead, it appears to have given him clearer structure and more consistent support around him.
That tactical detail matters. A full-back’s performance depends on the balance between defensive cover, midfield support and the freedom to advance. In a settled role, Couto can time his runs forward, use his pace and technical ability, and contribute to possession without being asked to solve every problem on his own. Como’s coaching staff appear to have found a way to make those strengths useful while providing a framework for his defensive work.
Como’s rise adds weight to the transfer debate
Couto’s improved status has arrived alongside Como’s impressive results. The club are reported to be sitting fourth in Serie A and occupying a Champions League position, a remarkable achievement for a side still establishing itself among Italy’s leading teams. Their performances have attracted attention well beyond the league.
A reported 4-1 Champions League victory over Manchester United offered a striking example of Como’s confidence and attacking threat. It also helped put the spotlight on a squad assembled with a mix of promising young players and less obvious recruitment choices. Couto is increasingly part of that story rather than simply a temporary addition.
Former France international Thierry Henry has praised Fabregas’s work, pointing to his ability to identify players who may not yet be widely recognised and turn them into a cohesive team. Como’s recruitment record helps explain the excitement. Jacobo Ramon, for example, reportedly joined from Real Madrid’s second team for around €2.5 million, while Lucas Da Cunha arrived from Nice for a comparatively modest fee and has since earned recognition with France.
Those examples do not guarantee that every signing will succeed, but they show how a clear footballing plan can increase a player’s value. Couto’s improvement may be another case of Como identifying a footballer whose attributes were not fully unlocked at his previous club.
Will Como make the move permanent?
Reports in October suggested Como had already sent positive signals to Dortmund about a permanent deal. The €20 million option is a significant investment, but the Italian club may view it differently if Couto remains a regular starter and the team continues to compete for European qualification.
Champions League participation could be especially important. Qualification brings prestige and additional revenue, while strong results in the competition can further strengthen a club’s finances. If Como continue to collect prize money and maintain their position near the top of Serie A, meeting the reported fee may become more realistic.
For Dortmund, a permanent sale could provide a clean resolution to a transfer that never fully worked. For Como, keeping Couto would preserve a player who already understands Fabregas’s demands and has adapted to the team’s style. Both clubs could therefore find an agreement beneficial, although the final decision will depend on finances, performance and the terms of the option.
What Couto’s turnaround means
There is no simple verdict on whether Dortmund made a mistake. Their decision was shaped by competition, coaching changes and the need to manage a costly squad investment. At the same time, Couto’s regular starts in Italy suggest that his limitations may have been overstated—or that Dortmund never found the right way to use him.
The most useful prediction is that Como will continue exploring a permanent transfer if Couto maintains his current level and the club’s European prospects remain strong. His story is a reminder that football transfers are rarely judged in isolation: a player who looks like a backup in one system can become a key contributor in another. At Como, Yan Couto has found the role and confidence he lacked in Dortmund—and his next move may depend on how long that revival lasts.
