Manchester City fans eagerly awaiting the arrival of teenage sensation Claudio Echeverri will need to exercise patience, as the Argentine midfielder’s move to the Etihad has been delayed until February due to international commitments.
Echeverri, currently with River Plate, has been called up to represent Argentina’s Under-20 squad at the South American U20 Championship, running from January 23 to February 16.
According to Manchester City, an agreement with River Plate was finalized in January 2024, securing the 18-year-old on a long-term deal until 2028 for £12.5 million plus add-ons.
While the club had initially planned for him to join immediately after his loan spell ended, his international duties mean he’ll now join Pep Guardiola’s squad next month.
The news comes as no surprise to those following Echeverri’s development. Argentina U20 coach Diego Placente confirmed his inclusion in the tournament earlier this month, highlighting the player’s importance to the national setup.
River Plate manager Marcelo Gallardo, however, had previously expressed reservations about the timing of the move, emphasizing the need for further development.
“Claudio is very young and still needs to grow in Argentinian football,” Gallardo said in late 2024. “He has all the technical qualities to be great, but he’s in a process of development. I hope he leaves in better conditions.”
Echeverri’s delayed arrival raises questions about how Guardiola might integrate the promising midfielder. With crunch fixtures on the horizon and City competing on multiple fronts, it’s unlikely the teenager will assume a pivotal role immediately.
Instead, his time at the City Football Academy may initially focus on adapting to Guardiola’s demanding system and the physicality of the Premier League.
For now, City fans can look forward to Echeverri’s eventual arrival, hoping the talented playmaker will fulfill his potential under Guardiola’s guidance.
While his debut may take a little longer than anticipated, the anticipation only heightens the excitement surrounding this rising star.
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