PREMIER LEAGUE
Manchester City confirm the signing of Claudio Echeverri: how much did he cost?
The young attacking midfielder has signed for the treble winners, who have made another promising addition to their squad.
Manchester City have confirmed the signing of Diablito Claudio Echeverri, an operation that had been seen as done in Argentina since the turn of the year. The 18-year-old player has signed for the Premier League club until 2028 however he will not join up with the Manchester City squad in England until January 2025; until then, he will play on loan at River Plate.
Argentinian media outlet Olé reported that Manchester City paid €18 million ($20m) plus €9 million ($10m) in variables, depending on whether he reaches certain targets at his new club. The player, who is currently playing for Argentina in their pre-Olympic tournament, is also said to be bound by certain playing conditions at River, whereby City have the option to cut his loan short should they feel his playing time is not sufficient.
Echeverri made his name at the u-17 World Cup
Echeverri, who was heavily linked with both Real Madrid and Barcelona, made his debut for the River Plate senior team after his astonishing performances for Argentina at the recent Under-17 World Cup, held in Indonesia and won by Germany.
The aforementioned media outlet also claimed that LaLiga side Girona are awaiting Echeverri when his loan ends with River Plate. The Catalan side are part of the City Football Group and loans are common between the two sides fighting at the top of their respective leagues. In the current season, both Yan Couto and Yangel Herrera are on loan to Girona as they fight for the LaLiga title with Real Madrid. Savinho is also on loan at the club from Troyes, part of the City Football Group.
‘As well as River, I’d like to play for Barça’
Prior to signing for City, Echeverri had made remarks about joining a new club after his adventure in Argentina was deemed over: “as well as River, I’d like to play for Barça” he said, something which could well have caused any potential deal to crumble. Alas, it was not to be and Echeverri is now a Citizen, but his allegiances cannot be hidden: “I’m a big fan of Messi”, he said, “I watched him play for Barcelona, which is why I’ve been a fan since I was little”.
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