Manchester City have actually spoken to Martin Demichelis about new signing Claudio Echeverri.
That is according to The Athletic.
So, what was said about Manchester City and Martin Demichelis? Let’s take a look…
Manchester City speak to Martin Demichelis
Well, the Argentine left the Etihad Stadium in 2016 just as Pep Guardiola arrived to replace Manuel Pellegrini.
Demichelis is now the manager of River Plate – where Manchester City have signed Echeverri from – with The Athletic claiming that conversations were held about the Argentina U17 international.
It is said that Joan Patsy – Manchester City’s Head of Scouting Operations in South America – chatted to the 43-year-old before the Citizens decided to invest a total package of £26m into securing the teenager’s signature.
Demichelis clearly gave a glowing review of Echeverri in that respect, as Manchester City are investing a substantial amount of money into a player who is just 18 years of age.
The Athletic add that Guardiola was not heavily involved in the operation, but the Spaniard did give his approval to the deal after being shown footage of the South American wonderkid.
Claudio Echeverri will have to wait for Manchester City debut
If you had not already heard, Echeverri won’t be making an appearance for Manchester City anytime soon.
The Athletic mention that the Argentinian forward will spend the remainder of 2024 on loan at River Plate, where he will continue to learn under Demichelis in the first-team.
In our view, that is the most sensible outcome.
Echeverri has only recently turned 18, and still has a long way to go in his development before he can become a genuine first-team option under Guardiola at Manchester City.
It is best for a player so young to remain in an environment where he feels comfortable, and hopefully, by the time 2025 comes around, he will be in a much better position to make an impact in the Premier League.
