Manchester City appear close to resolving Claudio Echeverri’s stalled situation, with Girona emerging as the most likely destination.
According to Ràdio Girona and SER Catalunya, relayed by local outletCadena Ser, the Premier League club and their City Football Group partner are nearing an agreement for a January loan move.
The 19-year-old has already given his approval to the transfer. After a difficult spell in Germany, Echeverri now views Girona as the right environment to restart his European adaptation and gain regular minutes under Míchel Sánchez.
Girona had pushed for the Argentine during the summer window. However, Pep Guardiola and sporting director Quique Cárcel previously made it clear that the influence of the player’s agent led to a loan move to Bayer Leverkusen instead. That first experience in Europe failed to meet expectations.
Echeverri has played 11 matches for Leverkusen so far, six in the Bundesliga and five in the Champions League. He started only three times and managed just one assist. The lack of continuity reinforced Manchester City’s view that the loan was not working as planned.
Now, the scenario has changed. While the deal is not yet closed, Girona and Manchester City believe they are close to an understanding. Guardiola has consistently pushed for a move within the City Football Group, and this option aligns with the club’s long-term development plan for the player.
Echeverri’s arrival would force Girona to adjust their squad. At least one non-EU player would need to leave, with Jhon Solís and Yáser Asprilla both under review. Vitor Reis remains untouchable, while Solís appears the most likely to depart.
If completed, the move would mark a clear shift. After weeks of pressure to return to River Plate, Echeverri now seems ready to accept Guardiola’s preferred solution and continue his development in Spain.