Borussia Dortmund are close to ending their frustrating spell with Brazilian full-back Yan Couto, who is nearing a move to Como 1907 in a deal that could provide a solution for all parties before the new season begins.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that the 24-year-old’s move to the Italian club has reached its final stages, with Como 1907 and Dortmund agreeing on the structure of the transfer. Couto is expected to join on loan, with Como having the option to sign him permanently.
The two clubs held intensive discussions over the financial terms before reaching an agreement. The proposed purchase option is understood to be worth about 20m euros.
The transfer had appeared in danger of collapsing in late July because of a disagreement over the financial details. However, negotiations made significant progress in recent days and the move is now close to completion, according to German newspaper Bild.
Couto joined Dortmund permanently in the summer of 2025 after the German club activated a compulsory purchase clause in his loan agreement with Manchester City. The deal cost Dortmund 20m euros, following an initial loan spell that had already required an investment of about 5m euros.
Despite the considerable cost of the transfer, the Brazil international has struggled to establish himself in Dortmund’s team. Couto, who has won four caps for his country, has produced performances that have fallen short of expectations since making his move permanent.
His departure would also ease Dortmund’s wage bill. Couto was among the club’s highest-paid players, earning an estimated annual salary of about 5m euros, although that level of remuneration was not matched by his contribution on the pitch.
The defender’s market value has also declined considerably during the past two years. It stood at 25m euros in June 2024 but is now estimated at 17m euros, reflecting the downturn in his recent form and status.
Dortmund consider replacement
Dortmund have already identified Elias Baum as one of their leading candidates to replace Couto. The 20-year-old full-back currently belongs to Eintracht Frankfurt and is regarded as a potential option for the German club.
Dortmund sporting director Olli Bock is said to admire Baum and knows the player from their time together at SV Elversberg. Baum spent the 2024-25 season on loan at the club, where he established himself as a regular starter and made a strong impression.
Despite Dortmund’s interest, Eintracht Frankfurt have no intention of allowing the young defender to leave. Their manager, Adi Hutter, has made clear that he wants Baum to remain with the club.
“We will keep him with us, because I see him as a full-back who is energetic and dynamic. He is one of the club’s academy graduates, and I am very impressed by what he offers. He has shown a very strong level in training and continues to develop brilliantly,” Hutter said.
Couto’s proposed move to Como would therefore bring an end to a Dortmund transfer that began with significant financial commitment but has not delivered the expected sporting impact. The loan agreement, with its 20m-euro purchase option, now appears to offer the clearest route for the Brazilian to revive his career while Dortmund reshape their options at full-back.
