Claudio Echeverri, who left Manchester City on loan to Bayer Leverkusen this summer, is already attracting attention in Germany.
According to Argentinian outlet [**Olé**](https://www.ole.com.ar/futbol-internacional/liga-alemana-bundesliga/claudio-diablito-echeverri-bayer-leverkusen-jurgen-klinsmann-debut-argentina-julian-alvarez_0_k2WlJuSP23.html), the 18-year-old midfielder joined the Bundesliga side in search of regular minutes after struggling to find opportunities under Pep Guardiola, and has the 2026 World Cup in his sights.
Echeverri, nicknamed “El Diablito”, has only played a few minutes so far for Leverkusen, but his talent is already being recognised. The Argentine was handed the number 9 shirt by the German champions and is considered one of the biggest prospects to emerge from River Plate in recent years.
One of the most notable comments came from former Germany striker Jürgen Klinsmann. Speaking at a Bundesliga press conference, the 1990 World Cup winner said: _“I really want to see Echeverri. He only played 45 minutes at the Club World Cup with Manchester City and we are excited, although it will be a very difficult season because his team lost many players.”_
The teenager’s development in Germany will be closely monitored, both by Manchester City and by Argentina, who see him as a key figure for their future.
What comes next will depend on how quickly he adapts to Xabi Alonso’s side and how much game time he secures in the coming months.