Liverpool should sign Man City starlet who can unleash Trent Alexander-Arnold

With Copa America right around the corner, scouts, analysts and recruitment staff will have landed in South America ready to assess a wide range of players in an attempt to draw up a scouting report that could reveal the next big talent. And it would be interesting if Liverpool were to look to the tournament for transfer inspiration.

Twenty-two-year-old Yan Couto has been called up to the Brazil squad after a fantastic season with Girona where he helped his side to third position in the La Liga table, securing a Champions League spot. Couto bagged 10 assists and one goal in what is essentially his breakout season this year, attracting the eyes of Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen, who are clearly impressed by the youngster's ability not just defensively but offensively.

That skill to be world-class in defense but also be a threat in attack is something that is highly sought after among the elite European sides such as Manchester City, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and of course Liverpool, which has been lucky to have two of the best full-backs in football in Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

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However, with Alexander-Arnold potentially shifting from a right-back to a creative midfielder, it will be a priority for new manager Arne Slot to find a suitable back-up in the full-back role. And Couto is similar to Liverpool's number 66 in that he is a master of more than one position.

The Brazilian is well adapted to any position on the right side of the pitch, from right back, right midfielder and even on the right wing, the youngster is extremely versatile. If Trent did need cover, Couto could play at right-back but also move up the pitch into an attacking position when the Liverpool moves back, creating a pivot that not many Premier League sides have.

The one problem with Couto is that he is currently signed with Manchester City which is unlikely to sell the player to a rival club. In fact, the clubs have only transferred three players in the last 20 years between each other including Robbie Fowler in 2006, Craig Bellamy in 2011 and of course Raheem Sterling in 2015. But there is a silver lining and that is the fact that since signing for City in 2020, Couto has been loaned out every season he’s been at the club which will be frustrating for the Brazilian.

Couto, who has now returned to City from his loan at Girona is unlikely to find a spot in Pep Guardiola’s side as the Spaniard’s loyalty to Kyle Walker as well as his apprentice Rico Lewis is very strong. Therefore, a move away would be more appropriate and appealing for a player who is looking to find regular playing time amongst Europe’s elite sides that are circling the player at the moment.

Brazilian teammate and Liverpool star Alisson Becker will certainly be chatting with the right-back over the course of the tournament and could sway him over to Merseyside much like Roberto Firmino did for the goalkeeper many years ago. It will be interesting to see how Couto performs in the tournament especially while being not just one of the youngest members of the squad but also the smallest.

Liverpool would have to move quickly and most likely pay over $40m for his services if it is serious about finally finding a true replacement or back-up for Alexander-Arnold. Scouts from around the world will be watching Couto closely this summer as he hopes to lift the Copa America with Brazil but also switch to a club that can give him the minutes he needs to become truly world-class.