During the summer transfer window, there were rumors that Manchester City might fast-track the integration of young Argentine talent Claudio Echeverri into their first-team squad due to concerns over midfield depth. However, when asked about these reports, Pep Guardiola dismissed the idea, stating in a press conference, “No idea about that. I didn’t talk with Txiki [Begiristain] about Claudio Echeverri, no.”
Before joining Argentina’s national team for the Olympic Games in Paris, Echeverri visited Manchester City’s Football Academy to finalize formalities related to his move to the Premier League champions. Recently, he was also seen settling into a new apartment, fueling speculation that he could join City sooner than expected, possibly in the second half of the current season.
According to *ESPN Argentina*, Manchester City has rejected a request from River Plate to keep Echeverri on loan for an additional six months. The report, translated by *Sport Witness*, indicates that City views Echeverri as a crucial addition to their squad and intends to bring him to Manchester in the January transfer window. The subject is described as “red hot,” with both Echeverri and River Plate hopeful of extending his stay in Argentina, though City has other plans.
City officially confirmed the signing of Echeverri from River Plate at the end of the last January transfer window, securing the player on a contract until 2028. The deal, reportedly worth £12.5 million plus add-ons, initially allowed Echeverri to stay on loan at River Plate until the end of 2024.
There were also discussions about a potential loan move for Echeverri to La Liga club Girona for the second half of the current season. However, due to both City and Girona being owned by the City Football Group and competing in the UEFA Champions League, UEFA regulations have blocked any direct or indirect transfers between the two clubs from July 2024 to September 2025, with the exception of pre-existing agreements.
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