Manchester City is on the brink of securing a deal to sign the highly-talented Claudio Echeverri from River Plate, as confirmed by sources to 90min. The 17-year-old player has attracted the attention of several top European clubs since making his first-team debut for River Plate in 2023, featuring in six matches across all competitions as the Argentine team claimed both the Argentine Primera Division and the Trofeo de Campeones.
Echeverri’s most significant performances, however, have come at the international youth level with Argentina. The attacking midfielder made a strong impression at the recent U-17 FIFA World Cup, including a memorable hat-trick in a quarter-final victory over arch-rivals Brazil, leading his team to a fourth-place finish at the tournament.
90min previously reported in December that both Manchester City and Chelsea had expressed keen interest in signing Echeverri, and now, the former appears to be edging closer to sealing the deal after making progress in their discussions in recent weeks.
The negotiations are expected to result in Echeverri remaining at River Plate at least until the summer, with the potential for an extension until the end of 2024 to gain crucial first-team experience. City has been motivated to accelerate talks, primarily due to competition from Chelsea and the increasing interest from La Liga powerhouse Barcelona.
In addition to Echeverri, 90min has learned that Manchester City also maintains interest in River Plate youngsters Agustin Ruberto and Ian Subiabre. Both Ruberto and Subiabre also made a mark at the U-17 World Cup with Argentina, with Ruberto claiming the golden boot award for his remarkable eight goals during the competition in Indonesia.
Like Echeverri, the duo has garnered interest from other clubs as well, with Brighton and Hove Albion, Tottenham Hotspur, Real Madrid, and Barcelona all engaged in discussions.
The potential acquisition of Echeverri, Ruberto, and Subiabre is part of Manchester City’s broader strategy to bolster their youth ranks. The club is known for its focus on developing young talents, so the interest in these promising River Plate youngsters aligns with their long-term vision.
The imminent arrival of Echeverri at Manchester City serves as yet another indicator of the club’s commitment to securing and nurturing the best young talents in world football. If the deal is completed, it will mark another significant milestone in City’s ongoing efforts to build for the future and solidify their status as one of the most progressive and ambitious clubs in Europe.
In conclusion, as the negotiations near their conclusion, all eyes are on Manchester City as they look to secure the services of a player who has the potential to make a significant impact on the club’s future. The developments surrounding Echeverri, Ruberto, and Subiabre represent a clear statement of intent from City, signaling their determination to continue strengthening their youth setup and investing in the stars of tomorrow.
