Manchester City youngster Claudio Echeverri is attracting interest from several clubs after Girona’s relegation, but one option now stands out.
According to journalist João Van Boysen, Bahia, Flamengo, River Plate and AC Monza are all interested in the Manchester City player.
Van Boysen adds that Echeverri is not expected to remain at Girona following the club’s relegation from La Liga. He also states that a return to Manchester City’s first team is “practically ruled out”, while River Plate face difficulties in their pursuit.
For Manchester City, that creates another decision point in what has become a complicated development pathway.
Bahia angle should attract attention
Among the clubs mentioned, Bahia immediately stands out because of its place inside the City Football Group structure.
Manchester City have already used CFG clubs to develop young players before they become ready for higher-level opportunities in Europe. Girona served that purpose for Echeverri during the second half of last season, even if the outcome was mixed.
The Argentine made 17 appearances in Spain, starting only five matches. He finished with one goal and one assist as Girona ultimately suffered relegation. That leaves Manchester City needing another solution.
Familiar development route
A move to Bahia would allow Manchester City to keep Echeverri within the CFG ecosystem while offering something he has struggled to find consistently in Europe: regular minutes.
The Brazilian side have become important within the group’s multi-club model. Recent transfer activity has shown how closely City and Bahia work together, particularly when handling young South American talent.
That does not automatically make Bahia favourites.
River Plate remain interested and have already tried to bring Echeverri back before. Earlier this year, Manchester City rejected a return to Argentina, preferring to keep the player inside European football.
Flamengo would offer another high-profile South American destination, while Monza would keep him in Europe.
What happens next
Echeverri is still only 20 and remains under contract until 2028. Yet he appears short of the level required to secure meaningful first-team minutes at the Etihad, particularly during a period of transition following Pep Guardiola’s departure.
As a result, another loan looks the most likely outcome. The question is where City believe his development will be best served.
A year ago, the answer was Europe. Six months ago, it was Girona. Now, with Bahia emerging as an interested club and already operating under the same ownership umbrella, the Brazilian side could become one of the more intriguing options on the table.