Manchester City preparing fresh South American transfer raid with Boca midfielder targeted

Manchester City are considering making another South American transfer swoop on behalf of the City Football Group, just weeks after completing a deal for Claudio Echeverri.

Pep Guardiola’s side completed one transfer deal during the recent January transfer window, beating Barcelona and Chelsea to the signature of 18-year-old Claudio Echeverri for an initial £12.5 million.

The teenager will remain at River Plate on loan until at least December 2024, as the Argentina Under-17 star looks to become the latest South American prodigy to move to the Etihad Stadium.

Julian Alvarez, Gabriel Jesus and Maximo Perrone have also recently moved from the Western Hemisphere to Manchester City, meanwhile Brazilian teenager Savio is set to move to the Premier League next summer, as part of an internal City Football Group transfer.

Savio is expected become the Sky Blues’ first signing of the summer, with Manchester City swooping to sign the winger as a result of significant transfer interest in the Girona loanee.

Etihad chiefs are already eying another South American transfer however, with midfielder Ezequiel Fernández of Boca Juniors a new target of the City Football Group, according to an El Crack Deportivo report relayed by Sport Witness.

Jonathan Riniti claims that Manchester City sister-club Girona are interested in signing the 21-year-old central midfielder, with scouts having been ‘following’ and ‘analysing’ the Argentinian for ‘some time’.

“The jewel of Boca that Girona wants is Equi Fernández,” according to the journalist.

The midfielder would reportedly cost $15 million, a fee which may only be payable by Manchester City, however Fernández’s fee could increase, as Boca seek to insert a $20 million release clause.

The 21-year-old could therefore become the latest youngster to join the CFG network, with the opportunity to play for a number of clubs, including either Girona or Manchester City.

The midfielder made 43 appearances during the 2022/23 campaign, registering two assists across all competitions.