Manchester City have confirmed the arrival of Claudio Echeverri, who will immediately link up with Pep Guardiola's first-team squad.
The 19-year-old attacking midfielder was signed by the Citizens in January 2024 for a reported £12.5m, but he remained in his native Argentina on loan at River Plate until last month.
Echeverri, labelled the 'next Lionel Messi' by Argentine journalists and pundits, has now arrived in Manchester following a magnificent Under-20 South American Championship campaign, where he captained Argentina to a runners-up finish.
The highly-rated youngster scored six goals and registered three assists across nine matches at the tournament, with braces against eventual champions Brazil and Uruguay the standout contributions.
Echeverri's excellent performances represent the latest landmark in a glittering youth international career, having previously captaining Argentina at the 2023 Under-17s FIFA World Cup where he won the Bronze Boot after scoring five goal, including a hat-trick against Brazil.
Widely regarded as one of the brightest prospects in South America, Echeverri leaves River Plate where he chipped in with four goals and eight assists across 48 senior appearances, winning the Argentine Primera Division, Trofeo de Campeones and Supercopa Argentina in 2023.
Claudio's here! 🩵 pic.twitter.com/dVucRwyXBF
— Manchester City (@ManCity) February 27, 2025
Echeverri keen to prove to Pep he deserves first-team role at Man City
Echeverri is now delighted to have officially arrived at Man City and the youngster has been handed the No.30 shirt, which was last worn by fellow Argentine Nicolas Otamendi.
"I cannot tell you how excited I am to be here in Manchester and to finally be able to call myself a Manchester City player," Echeverri told the club's official website.
"Football has been my life, and my dream was to play for one of the best teams in Europe. Today I am closer to that dream.
"Manchester City are one of the best teams in the world. Not only do they win trophies, they play the game so beautifully. They are an example to everyone - they show people how to play football the best way.
"To be part of this team and the culture here at City - and use this as my basis to develop my game - is something I am really excited about.
"My family and I are so proud to be here. My focus now is on working as hard as I can in training to show the manager and his staff I am good enough to be part of this team."
Ready to make a name in Manchester 💫🩵 pic.twitter.com/XuSQTuExwx
— Manchester City (@ManCity) February 27, 2025
Begiristain: 'Man City's job is to shape Echeverri into a world-class player'
Man City Director of Football Txiki Begiristain added: "Claudio is one of the finest talents to emerge from South America in recent years.
"We knew as soon as we watched him play we wanted him to become a Manchester City player.
"All the natural elements are there - his touch, technique, eye for goal and dribbling ability. Our job now is to take those attributes and shape Claudio into a world-class player.
"We will provide him with everything he needs to become the best he can be. If he works hard, listens to Pep and gives absolutely everything, I see no reason why he cannot become a top player."
Echeverri, who has also talked up the influence of Sergio Aguero on his decision to join Man City, will now begin first-team training with Guardiola and could be in contention to make his Citizens debut in Saturday's FA Cup fifth-round tie against Plymouth Argyle at the Etihad Stadium.
Oliver Thomas
