Borussia Dortmund agree loan plan for Yan Couto as Como 1907 talks reach final stage

Borussia Dortmund are close to ending Yan Couto’s disappointing spell at the club, with the Brazil international nearing a move to Como 1907 on loan before the start of the new season.

The proposed deal includes an option for the Italian club to buy the 24-year-old right-back, with the transfer now in its final stages, according to German newspaper Bild. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano also reported that Como 1907 and Borussia Dortmund had reached an agreement in principle after extensive negotiations.

The two clubs spent considerable time discussing the financial terms before resolving their differences. The option to buy Couto is understood to be worth about 20m euros.

The move had appeared in danger of collapsing at the end of July because of the disagreement over the financial arrangements. However, talks made significant progress in recent days and the transfer is now close to being completed.

Couto joined Borussia Dortmund permanently in the summer of 2025 after the German club activated a mandatory purchase clause in his loan agreement. Dortmund paid 20m euros for the player, having previously spent about 5m euros to take him on loan from Manchester City.

Despite that significant investment, Couto was unable to establish himself in the Dortmund side. His performances fell short of expectations, while his status as one of the club’s highest earners added to the pressure surrounding his time in Germany. His annual salary was reported to be about 5m euros, a figure that was not matched by his contribution on the pitch.

Couto’s market value has also declined during the period. It stood at 25m euros in June 2024 but is now estimated at 17m euros, reflecting the difficulties he has experienced in recent months.

The defender, who has won four caps for Brazil, could now be given the opportunity to rebuild his career in Serie A. A move to Como 1907 would provide a potential solution for all parties, with Dortmund able to reduce their wage commitments and Couto seeking regular first-team football.

Dortmund have already considered possible replacements. Elias Baum, the 20-year-old Eintracht Frankfurt full-back, is among the leading candidates to fill the position if Couto leaves.

Baum is admired by Dortmund sporting director Ole Book, who knows the player from their time together at Elversberg. Baum spent the 2024-25 season on loan there and established himself as a regular starter.

Despite Dortmund’s interest, Eintracht Frankfurt are not planning to release the young defender. Their coach, Adi Hutter, has made clear that he wants Baum to remain with the team.

“We will keep him with us, because I see him as a lively and dynamic full-back. He is one of the club’s academy graduates, and I really like what he offers. He has performed at a very high level in training and continues to develop brilliantly,” Hutter said.