Latest developments
- Manchester City are planning to bring Claudio Echeverri into their first-team squad.
- The 18-year-old has been on loan at River Plate since City signed him a year ago.
- The initial plan was to send him to Girona on loan.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (1.5/5): Lack of source information
Dubbed “the next Lionel Messi”, Argentinian teenager Claudio Echeverri was signed by Man City in Janaury 2024 from River Plate, and sent back to the Buenos Aires side for the year. His first year in Europe was meant to be sent at City's sister club, Girona, but now Pep Guardiola wants him in his City side.
That is being reported by The Mirror, though they have provided no source information at all.
Value (4/5): Looks like money well spent
City spent £13.5 million on the 18-year-old in January, and Echeverri went on to contribute 10 goal involvements in 40 appearances for River in 2024.
Not crazy numbers, but Echeverri is clearly well thought of, already playing for Argentina at under-23 level despite not turning 19 until 2nd January.
Suitability (2/5): Ready for a step up?
An attacking midfielder who can also play on the left, the plan was to send Echeverri to Girona for at least the rest of the 2024/25 season, as he gets used to European life and football.
Putting him in the City first-team earlier than planned after just 47 senior appearances in Argentina will be a tall order, and risks harming his development.
Upgrade? (1.5/5): Desperate times, but not in attack
City continue to have their troubles in defence an defensive midfield, but on the left and in behind the striker they have options, with Jeremy Doku, Jack Grealish and Matheus Nunes rotating out wide, and Kevin De Bruyne looking fit again in the middle.
If Echeverri is indeed “the next Messi”, then one day he will be better than all the above, but not for now.
Logic (2/5): Girona makes more sense
With the lack of a language barrier and high expectations, it surely makes more sense for Echeverri and City to stick to the original plan and loan the teenager to the Catalan club. They can always terminate the loan early if need him.
Whisper+ verdict: 11/25
There seems to be no real source behind this rumour, and it's not as if Echeverri would be filling a role City are struggling in. An exciting future talent, but expect to see him in a Girona shirt come January.
