Claudio Echeverri joins Man City permanently after returning from River Plate loan

Claudio Echeverri joins Man City permanently after returning fromx River Plate loan

Argentina youth international Claudio Echeverri has completed his permanent transfer to Manchester City over a year after initially joining the English champions.

He had spent the past year on loan at River Plate as part of the agreement following his move.

The 19-year-old attacking midfielder will bring additional youthful vigor to a City squad that was reinvigorated in the winter transfer window with the addition of five new players.

Echeverri has been impressive in the South American Under-20 Championship, scoring six goals in nine matches for Argentina, making him the second-highest scorer in the competition.

Although he signed for City in January 2024, he has remained with River Plate for the past year, as stipulated in the deal.

City's director of football, Txiki Begiristain, hailed Echeverri as "one of the finest talents to emerge from South America in recent years."

"Football has been my life, and my dream was always to play for one of the best teams in Europe. Today, I am closer to that dream," Echeverri stated.

"Manchester City is one of the best teams in the world. Not only do they win trophies, but they also play the game so beautifully."

Echeverri has signed a contract through 2028 and will join City's squad for the remainder of the season.

In addition to Echeverri's signing, City spent over $200 million in the winter transfer window, bringing in midfielder Nico Gonzalez, defenders Abdukodir Khusanov, Vitor Reis, and Christian McFarlane, along with Egyptian forward Omar Marmoush.

Manager Pep Guardiola acknowledged last week that refreshing the squad, which has won the past four Premier League titles, could involve the departure of injury-prone players who are struggling to manage the physically demanding nature of modern football.

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