Manchester City agree deal to sign Argentina wonderkid Claudio Echeverri from River Plate

Manchester City have reportedly agreed a deal in principle to sign Claudio Echeverri from River Plate for €25 million ($28m). The Argentine talent will stay with River for another year on loan as part of the deal with the reigning European champions.

The 17-year-old has been on the radar of many top European teams in recent months and his brilliant performances at the U-17 World Cup with Argentina have only added to the interest. Barcelona and Real Madrid were both interested in acquiring his services.

The year began with his first professional contract for two years with River Plate until December 2024 with a clause of €25 million, a sign of his performances at underage level as he had not yet made his debut with the first team. Then came the South American U-17 Championship in April, his debut with River in June, and, finally, the U-17 World Cup with Argentina.

Long-term City deal

“I am convinced that the Echeverri issue will be resolved by the end of the year. That’s what his agent told me,” said Jorge Brito, president of River, in an interview with TyC Sports.

“We had agreed to discuss this before the World Cup, but we didn’t want to hinder that trip and he did great. We are accompanying the whole process of Claudio’s growth and I hope we will soon have news.”

Echeverri - an attacking midfielder - was voted the third best player at the U-17 World Cup after scoring five goals as La Albiceleste finished in fourth place. He is expected to sign a six-year deal with Pep Guardiola’s City.