Claudio Echeverri decides against Manchester City loan plan as new club chosen

Manchester City’s Claudio Echeverri has selected his desired loan club for the forthcoming 2025/26 campaign, according to new reports from Italy.

The teenager’s future has been the subject of intense speculation over the last two months, with both City’s internal development strategy and interest from major European clubs shaping discussions.

City, as reported previously, had earmarked Girona as the most solid option for the Argentine’s first European loan spell, believing Míchel’s style in La Liga closely mirrors Pep Guardiola’s approach at the Etihad Stadium.

However, the situation has been complicated by Echeverri’s own preferences and the persistence of AS Roma. Earlier in the summer, journalist César Luis Merlo revealed that Roma saw a season-long loan with a €33 million mandatory buy-option and City retaining a buy-back clause rejected.

Since then, negotiations have remained a point of contention, with the Italian side unwilling to walk away from their pursuit. Echeverri’s case has also been shaped by Manchester City’s long-term planning model for South American recruits.

The club’s usual strategy is to give players like the 19-year-old time to adapt in a competitive but stylistically aligned environment before considering a permanent move or first-team integration. Roma’s approach, however, prioritises an immediate impact in Serie A.

Now, according to the information of Calciomercato’s Daniele Longo, Claudio Echeverri does not want to go to Girona for the 2025/26 season and has chosen Italian giants AS Roma as his desired loan club.

Having initially seen attempts to secure an option to buy rejected by the Premier League giants, it is claimed that Roma bosses are now trying to secure a straight loan for the Argentine, while Manchester City are ‘still firm on their positions’.

This latest development could lead to a fresh stand-off between Manchester City and Roma. While the player’s wishes will be an important factor, City’s recruitment chiefs have shown in the past that they are willing to resist pressure when they believe a different path better serves the player’s development and the club’s long-term interests.

If Manchester City hold firm on their Girona plan, Echeverri could face a choice between accepting the La Liga loan or remaining in Manchester with limited first-team opportunities under Pep Guardiola.

Conversely, should Roma intensify their efforts and reach a compromise for the highly-rated playmaker, the former River Plate midfielder could yet become one of the most intriguing Serie A arrivals of the summer.