Claudio Echeverri is reportedly set to join Manchester City from next month after spending last year on loan at home in Argentina.
City secured a deal for Echeverrifor a reported £12.5m plus add-ons for the sale of the River Plate club last January. The attacking midfielder had celebrated his 18th birthday just over three weeks ago and so could have made an immediate move to Manchester, but it was deemed best for his development to stay where he was and continue to play in a familiar setting in 2024.
The River Plate loan ended at the end of the Argentine club's season in November, with Echeverri able to have some time off and then report for international duty.
The 19-year-old will be part of Argentina's squad for the upcoming U-20 South American Championship in Venezuela. Fabrizio Romano reports that the “confirmed” plan is for him to be available for City once the tour is over.
Things will start on January 23, with Argentina among the favorites alongside the heavyweights of continental football Brazil and Uruguay. The conclusion of the competition, which is a two-stage round rather than a group stage and knockout bracket, will be on February 16. Because of the format, Argentina and every other nation will stay in the tournament until the end.
The championship also doubles as South America's qualifier for this year's U-20 World Cup in September and October, where Echeverri would also expect to play if Argentina get there.
The teenager made 41 appearances for River Plate during 2024, starting the majority.
IN townhe will find an aging squad with 12 players now 29 and over – Rodri will make it 13 by the time he recovers from long-term injury in the summer. Echeverri represents a part of the new age as Pep Guardiola is charged with the first dismantling and rebuilding project of his managerial career.
The Catalan coach has called for his club to be active in the upcoming winter window, with a number of elite midfielders are named as possible reinforcements alongside Echeverri.