Loaned to Bayer Leverkusen since this summer, Claudio Echeverri is in great difficulty in Germany. A situation that does not please Manchester City at all who are considering bringing him back.
In 2023, Echeverri shone with Argentina during the Under-17 World Cup. Performances that pushed Manchester City to recruit him for €18m (£15.5m). But faced with tough competition in midfield, the former River Plate player was sent on loan to Bayer Leverkusen, so that he could scrape playing time and gain experience.
Unfortunately, everything is not going as planned. Since the start of the season, the player has only played 172 minutes for one start, against PSG, in the Champions League. According to information from media Ole, Manchester City are not at all satisfied and are considering breaking Echeverri's loan if he does not play at least 50% of Bayer Leverkusen's matches, as a specific clause allows.
Echeverri back this winter at City?
If Echeverri's situation does not improve between now and the winter transfer window, the 19-year-old player could be recalled from his loan. However, there are few chances that Pep Guardiola will integrate him into his squad. The attacking midfielder will probably be loaned once again, but this time at a club where he will have the guarantee of having playing time.
Echeverri was supposed to take Florian Wirtz's place in Bayer Leverkusen's heart of the game. But whether it be Erik Ten Hag at the start of the season or now Kasper Hjulmand, the Argentine gem cannot manage to shake up the hierarchy established by his coach. A disappointment for Manchester City, who note that their player's progression is completely slowed down.
This article was originally published on Top Mercato.
