In a significant move that signals Manchester City’s continued investment in emerging talent, the Premier League champions have reportedly reached an agreement with River Plate for the acquisition of 17-year-old sensation Claudio Echeverri.
The attacking midfielder, who recently showcased his prowess on the international stage during Argentina’s Under-17 World Cup campaign, is set to join the ranks of Pep Guardiola’s side for a reported fee of €25 million (£21.7 million).
Echeverri’s standout performances in Indonesia, where he notched five goals and one assist in six games, garnered attention from top European clubs, including La Liga champions Barcelona. However, Manchester City appears to have secured a prominent position in the pursuit of the young talent, according to The Guardian.
Manchester City reaches agreement for Claudio Echeverri – The So-Called “Next Lionel Messi”
The Guardian’s report details that Manchester City engaged in fruitful discussions with River Plate last week, finalizing the terms of the €25 million deal. As part of the agreement, Echeverri is expected to continue honing his skills with River Plate for an additional year on loan before officially joining the Premier League giants.
Nicknamed “El Diablito” (little devil), Echeverri’s style of play has drawn comparisons to Argentine icon Lionel Messi. Despite having limited senior experience, with just six appearances for River Plate, the young maestro has already left an indelible mark, notably securing a hat-trick in the Under-17 World Cup quarter-final against Brazil.
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While interest in Echeverri grew, the talented midfielder has reportedly declined to extend his commitment to River Plate beyond his current contract, which expires in December 2024. Instead, he is poised to sign a long-term contract with Manchester City, following a path similar to former River Plate forward Julian Alvarez, who made a comparable move in January 2022.
Alvarez, now a pivotal figure for Manchester City, recently showcased his prowess with two goals in the Club World Cup final and continues to be an integral part of Guardiola’s squad.
In a parallel development, Manchester City are also reportedly on the verge of securing the signing of midfielder Finley Gorman from Leeds United, further underlining the club’s commitment to nurturing and harnessing emerging talents.