Manchester City outline plan for Claudio Echeverri with Etihad Stadium arrival now imminent

Coaches at Manchester City have outlined their integration plan for Claudio Echeverri, with the Argentina youth international on the verge of his Etihad Stadium arrival.

The exciting River Plate talent is on the verge of formally completing his move to the Premier League champions having reached an agreement over a switch during the January transfer window of 2024.

It was agreed at the time that Echeverri would remain on loan with the iconic Argentine club for another 12 months, before a decision would be taken by Manchester City over his immediate steps in European football.

There had been a feeling in some quarters that a move to City Football Group side Girona could be sanctioned, but since then a UEFA ruling has prevented the two clubs from conducting business due to them both competing in European competition this season.

As such, Manchester City’s first-team squad will welcome Echeverri into their existing team for the remainder of the ongoing campaign, but only after his duties with the Argentina Under-20 side are complete this month.

Now, according to journalist Veronica Brunati, Claudio Echeverri will join City after the ongoing Under-20 South American Championship and undergo ‘special physical reconditioning work’ to speed up adaptation to Pep Guardiola’s team and the Premier League.

Echeverri has arguably been his country’s standout performer up until this stage of the competition, captaining his side to victories in all but two of their matches deep into the final round of the competition.

The 19-year-old has scored a remarkable five goals and provided three assists in his first seven appearances for the country at the tournament, including a blockbuster individual performance in a competition-opening 0-6 win over Brazil’s Under-20 side.

It remains to be seen whether Echeverri will see any meaningful game-time during the second-half of the season with Manchester City, or whether he will be allowed to leave the club on loan at the first opportunity in the summer.