River Plate sporting director Enzo Francescoli has admitted that Claudio Echeverri “deserves” to join an elite club like Manchester City.
He spoke candidly about Echeverri’s inevitable move to the Etihad Stadium while speaking to ESPN’s SportsCenter show (via their official website).
Last Wednesday, it was claimed that the Sky Blues were set to fork out a total £26 million fee to secure the Argentine’s services, which included the worth of his £22 million (€25 million) release clause and a £4 million (€5 million) fee on top of that.
The reason behind the £4 million fee is reported to be down to River Plate’s longstanding intention of increasing the value of the 18-year-old’s release clause and extending his contract.
River Plate sporting director admits Claudio Echeverri “deserves” Manchester City transfer
In late December, Fabrizio Romano had also used his signature catchphrase, “Here We Go” about the deal, adding that the highly-rated attacker is expected to stay on loan at River Plate.
The teenager is considered to be one of Argentine’s most talented up-and-coming attacking midfielders.
Now, River Plate sporting director Enzo Francescoli has given his blessing to Claudio Echeverri as his move to Manchester City seems to be all but confirmed.
“He’s very calm, I see him the same as last year. Obviously, he must have his internal things. But he deserves it, he’s a great guy”, he told ESPN’s SportsCenter show.
“He’s very well, with his feet on the ground beyond what happens to him at 18, which is a lot. I spoke to him a couple of days ago. He’s very good, calm.”
Enzo Francescoli added that top young prospects like Claudio Echeverri are bound to attract interest from European juggernauts like Manchester City.
“The inevitable ones are these, players like Claudio [Echeverri] who surprise, who excite many people. Faraway markets and closer ones like the Brazilian one, which has more economic power than us and has an easier path in the economic part.”
“River have the condition of at least having him play for a year. Things have been done well, with the will of the boy, his representative and City, who could have waited six months to take him. You have to take into account a lot of things. Today the market and the Argentine situation, too.
“The sale is very good economically. We know the conditions he has, but he’s only 18. You cannot put a €100 million (£85.9 million) clause on the players like in Europe, who have high salaries. It’s not that easy.”
Claudio Echeverri is a top talent
Enzo Francescoli is clearly aware of just how precocious a talent Claudio Echeverri is and as a result, the treble-winners in Manchester City have seemingly pounced at the chance of signing him.
The hot prospect has all the tools to become a world-class attacking midfielder.
Technically, Echeverri is sublime, while also having a brilliant final pass, the ability to beat players and thrive in tight areas.
Once the Argentine U-17 international adapts to life in England, one can expect him to develop into a top player.
