Man City captures Argentine wonderkid Echeverri from River Plate

Manchester City have secured the services of promising teenage talent Claudio Echeverri from Argentinian side River Plate, it was announced on Thursday. The English Premier League champions have agreed to pay an initial £12.5 million, potentially rising to £15 million with add-ons, to acquire the 18-year-old midfield prodigy.

Echeverri, who celebrated his 18th birthday earlier this month, has already gained valuable first-team experience at River Plate under former City defender Martin Demichelis’ management. He has made six senior appearances and has also captained Argentina to the semi-finals of the Under-17 World Cup late last year.

The talented youngster is highly regarded in his homeland and has penned a contract to remain at the Etihad until June 2028. However, under the terms of the transfer, Echeverri will see out the 2023/2024 season on loan at River Plate before linking up with Pep Guardiola’s squad next January.

Echeverri joins City’s growing Argentinian contingent, including 22-year-old winger Julian Alvarez, who also arrived from River Plate last year and impressed during the club’s treble-winning campaign. City will hope Echeverri can have a similar impact once he joins up with the first-team squad.

The signing represents more investment in emerging talent as the club seeks to build on last season’s EPL and UEFA Champions League triumphs. Currently five points behind League leaders Liverpool, Guardiola will hope the addition of one of Argentina’s most promising teenagers can help City reclaim the English crown next season.