Manchester City are reportedly set to make a £22 million offer to buy young Argentine midfielder Claudio Echeverri.
Earlier this month, it was reported that City were one of the main candidates to sign Echeverri and that City were hopeful of landing the starlet.
Echeverri currently plays his football for River Plate, where Julian Alvarez used to play.
That particular deal obviously proved to be very successful for City, with Alvarez having been superb since he arrived at the Etihad Stadium.
It looks as though City may be looking to repeat that trick with the signing of Echeverri…
Manchester City now preparing to bid £22 million bid for Claudio Echeverri
According to journalist Cesar Merlo, City are now planning to test River Plate’s resolve over Echeverri.
The club are preparing to make an offer of £22 million for the attacking midfielder, and the intention would be for the club to leave Echeverri on loan at River for six to 12 months.
Of course, this is something City did with Alvarez.
The club sealed a deal for the attacker, but left him at River Plate before he joined up with the first-team squad at City in the summer of 2022.
Ultimately, this was a sensible move by the club, as Alvarez was able to continue playing regularly and developing ahead of his move to Manchester.
Interestingly, Echeverri – who has been branded ‘a talent’ by Barcelona manager Xavi – made his first-team debut for River recently against Rosario Central and after the game, the 17-year-old stated (AS): “I’m not going to sign a new deal but for 6 months or a year I’ll stay.”
Echeverri’s current contract with River ends in December 2024, meaning there is a good chance of City picking up a real bargain.
Another Julian Alvarez?
With this, it is impossible not to think about the deal City did for Julian Alvarez.
Alvarez obviously also played for River, and stayed at the club to continue his development after City had secured a deal for him.
He has turned out to be a wonderful signing and perhaps Echeverri can become a similar successful transfer deal.
Last week, journalist Fabrizio Romano reported that Echeverri was also in the crosshairs of Chelsea, with Barcelona also sniffing around.
So there is possible competition over the youngster, but City will surely fancy their chances. The Alvarez journey is bound to be something they use to sell themselves to Echeverri.
