Manchester City sign Maximo Perrone: Transfer fee, when will he join, future plans

Manchester City have confirmed the signing of Argentina under-20 international Maximo Perrone from Velez Sarsfield.

The 20-year-old midfielder will make the switch from Argentina to the Etihad Stadium on a five-and-half year deal next month, after making his debut for his now-former club in March 2022.

Across a total of 33 appearances for Velez Sarsfield, Perrone scored a total of three goals and provided two assists, helping the Buenos Aires side to the semi-finals of the Copa Libertadores.

As well as featuring for the Argentina under-16s, Maximo Perrone is currently a part of the national team squad competing at the ongoing under-20 South American Championship in Colombia, scoring against Paraguay in their most recent fixture.

How much have Man City paid for Maximo Perrone?

Manchester City have reportedly paid a fee in the region of £8 million for the 20 year-old.

What happens next for Maximo Perrone and Man City?

Maximo Perrone will join Manchester City following the conclusion of the South American under-20 Championships next month, and will train with Pep Guardiola’s first-team.

Will Maximo Perrone play for Man City next season?

Maximo Perrone will be assessed in the summer over a possible loan move away from the current Premier League champions.

Will Man City sign any further players this window?

Maximo Perrone is likely to be the biggest signing Manchester City complete in the January transfer window, with no major first-team additions planned, according to Simon Bajkowski of the Manchester Evening News.

However, there is the potential for some outgoing loan deals in the City academy.

What else has been reported about the deal?

As per The Athletic, Maximo Perrone made it clear that he did not want to be loaned out by any clubs interested in him and will therefore remain at Manchester City for the rest of the current season.

Pep Guardiola is also credited with having a significant role in the success of negotiations, described by The Athletic as being ‘key to the deal’, after calling Perrone during negotiations to convince him over a move to the Etihad.

While Perrone will stay in Manchester, The Athletic also report that he is ‘unlikely’ to feature and compete against the likes of Rodri and Kalvin Phillips for a spot in Pep Guardiola’s starting XI.