Claudio Echeverri has confirmed he will join Manchester City in January as Pep Guardiola rips up his plans for the wonderkid amid his side's dreadful form.
Echeverri was signed by River Plate for £12.5 million 12 months ago. He remained with the Argentine giants on a one-year loan deal, similar to the one that saw Julian Alvarez make the same move in 2022.
City had loaned the 18-year-old to Spanish sister club Girona when he finally joined from River Plate in January. However, that plan has fallen apart now that Guardiola's team is hit by an injury crisis.
The City boss is desperate for good news after seeing his side win just once in 12 games. He will now be boosted by the early arrival of Echeverri, with the player confirming he will join the senior team immediately.
“I wanted to thank you for the support I have always had since I was a child, in the club where my videos became known, I wanted to thank you for the affection for me and my family, grateful to River, with you , with the club, the people who work at the club,” he said after his last game for River.
“It's something unique, very nice to be here, to play for River when I was so young, at 17, when I was lucky enough to make my debut. Thank you for always being with us, the stadium is full every match and I hope I can come back soon.
“Today I have to say goodbye to the club of my life, the club that I joined at a very young age and still has many dreams to fulfill. River became my second home, the club that shaped me not only as a professional but also as a person.
“I would like to thank the fans, teammates, coaching staff, leaders and people who have worked at the club all these years. Also to my family and friends, none of this would have been the same without them.”
“I'm going to miss them and I'll continue to be another fan wherever I go. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and see you soon.”
Echeverri certainly looks to be a boost for Guardiola as the midfielder has scored four goals and six assists for River in 2024. It was a difficult season for the Argentine giants, who could only manage fifth place in the Primera Division.
City are expected to give their new signing some time to adapt to his new surroundings in Manchester. They are keen not to place too many expectations on his shoulders, given the dire state of their campaign.
However, that is not the case in his home country, where Echeverri is already being touted as the 'next Lionel Messi'. He turns 19 next week and should join the squad early in the new year, with City expected to be busy in the transfer window despite his impending arrival.
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