Manchester City have taken the first step towards deciding Claudio Echeverri’s future. In Argentina, however, the expectation remains that another loan is the most likely outcome.
Echeverri was handed minutes by Enzo Maresca in Manchester City’s opening pre-season friendly against Inter Milan. This was his first appearance under the club’s new manager.
While the outing offered Maresca an early chance to assess the 20-year-old, it has done little to change the conversation in Argentina about what comes next.
Instead, reports there continue to point towards another temporary move away from the Etihad.
Argentina still expect another loan
Local newspaper Clarín report that, despite featuring in Hong Kong, Echeverri is still expected to leave on loan before the transfer window closes.
The newspaper explains that Manchester City are working to find suitable destinations across Europe for several young prospects. These players are unlikely to receive regular first-team opportunities this season.
French youngster Mathys Detourbet has already joined Monaco on loan, while Sverre Nypan has been sent to Lommel SK in Belgium. According to Clarín, Echeverri is expected to follow the same path. Juma Bah is also expected to follow.
After difficult spells with Bayer Leverkusen and Girona, he is still searching for the consistent run of football that Manchester City hoped he would find in Europe.
His brief appearance against Inter therefore looks more like the beginning of Maresca’s evaluation. It does not seem to be a sign the Argentine has secured a place in the first-team squad.
River remain optimistic
At the same time, River Plate have not backed away. Journalist Hernán Castillo claimed that talks between River and Manchester City are ongoing. He described a deal as “not that crazy” despite the obvious obstacles.
Also, Argentina’s El Intransigente explains that River believe there is room for discussion if Echeverri is ultimately deemed surplus to requirements for the coming season.
Ultimately, though, the situation still comes back to one person. Manchester City have already allowed Maresca to take his first look at Echeverri in pre-season. The Argentine even stepped up confidently in the penalty shootout, converting with an audacious panenka.
But until Maresca decides whether Echeverri has a realistic role in his plans, every potential destination remains speculative. Another European loan still appears the most likely outcome, particularly given City’s established development strategy for young talent.
Nevertheless, the conversation with River is alive again. After Guardiola blocked a return six months ago, Argentina now senses there is at least a genuine opportunity to test Manchester City’s new decision-makers.
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