Manchester City torjui AS Roman tarjouksen Claudio Echeverrista Girona mukana taistelussa lupaavasta Argentiinan tähdestä
Manchester City has made their stance crystal clear: if you want Claudio Echeverri, you’ll need to bring more than just a bargain offer to the table.
According to transfer insider César Luis Merlo, AS Roma tried their luck with a formal proposal — a one-year loan for the 19-year-old attacking midfielder, followed by a €33 million mandatory purchase next summer. On paper, it may seem tempting, but City weren’t biting. Even the inclusion of a buy-back clause didn’t sway them. For now, “Diablito” — a nickname Echeverri carries with pride from his River Plate days — remains a Manchester City player. Still, the saga isn’t over. Over in Spain, La Liga’s surprise package Girona is also circling.
From Buenos Aires to Manchester
Echeverri’s journey has all the makings of a classic Argentinian football tale. He burst onto the scene at River Plate, wowing scouts with his vision, agility, and maturity beyond his years. By his mid-teens, he was already seen as one of Argentina’s brightest prospects.
In January 2024, Manchester City locked in his signature for around €18 million, loaning him back to River to continue his development. Only this year did he finally link up with Pep Guardiola’s squad — though his playing time has been limited, given the fierce competition in his role from Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden, and Julián Álvarez.
City Playing the Long Game
So why turn down Roma’s offer? The answer lies in patience and planning. City sees Echeverri as a long-term investment. Guardiola’s track record with young talent leans toward gradual integration rather than throwing them straight into the deep end.
Echeverri’s qualities — intelligent movement, delicate technique, the vision to break defences — fit City’s style perfectly. But adapting to the Premier League’s physical demands will take time. City’s approach is simple: they won’t let him go unless the move is undeniably beneficial for his growth.
Roma’s Hunt for Creativity
Roma, meanwhile, is on the lookout for a creative heartbeat in midfield — someone to dictate tempo, deliver incisive passes, and elevate their attack. Echeverri ticks all those boxes. Yet, while €33 million sounds substantial, City believe his potential value far exceeds that — and they weren’t ready to lose control over his future trajectory.
Enter Girona – The In-House Option
Then there’s Girona, one of La Liga’s most exciting surprise packages this season. As part of the City Football Group, Girona offers a unique option: regular top-flight football in Spain, while still keeping Echeverri within the CFG ecosystem. It’s a familiar route — let young talents sharpen their skills elsewhere, then bring them back ready to shine.
What Happens Next?
With the transfer window clock ticking, Echeverri’s likely paths are:
- Stay at City and fight for limited but valuable minutes under Pep Guardiola.
- Go on loan, with Girona the most logical choice.
- Accept a big-money transfer if a club arrives with an irresistible offer — potentially with a buy-back clause.
One thing is certain: Manchester City have no plans to let “Diablito” go for anything less than his worth — and they believe that value is only climbing.
So what’s the smarter play? Let him spread his wings at Girona, or keep him learning among the world’s best in Manchester? The next few weeks could decide the direction of one of football’s most exciting young careers.
