Transfer fee, contract length, first reactions: Manchester City sign Claudio Echeverri from River Plate

Manchester City have completed the signing of Claudio Echeverri from River Plate.

The 18-year-old has become Manchester City’s first signing of the January transfer window, moving to the Etihad Stadium despite strong interest from Barcelona and Chelsea in signing the teenager.

Echeverri will become the latest South American prodigy to move to Manchester City, with the River Plate and Argentina Under-17 star following in the footsteps of Gabriel Jesus, Maximo Perrone and Julian Alvarez.

The teenager notably captained Argentina at the recent Under-17 FIFA World Cup in November, scoring five goals – including a hat-trick against Brazil at the quarter-final stage.

Echeverri, who was out of contract at River Plate in 2024, is expected to return to the Primera Division club on loan, prior to moving to Manchester City either later this year or in 2025.

The deal had been agreed earlier this month but was unable to be ratified until the opening of the transfer window in Argentina.

As Manchester City confirmed their first signing of the January transfer window, here is everything you need to know about the transfer!

What are the terms of the Claudio Echeverri to Manchester City transfer?

Manchester City have completed the signing of Claudio Echeverri for an initial £12.5 million, with the 18-year-old returning to River Plate on loan as part of the transfer agreement.

The 2006-born star has signed a contract with Manchester City until 2028, but is expected to remain in Argentina until at least December 2024.

What have Manchester City said about the signing?

A Manchester City statement, read: “Manchester City have completed the signing of Argentinian midfielder Claudio Echeverri from River Plate.

“The 18-year-old has signed a contract until June 2028 but will remain at River before moving to the Etihad Stadium in January next year.”

What shirt number will Claudio Echeverri wear for Manchester City?

Echeverri will be allocated a shirt number upon moving to Manchester City following the completion of a loan spell at current club River Plate.