Girona to sign Manchester City midfielder in January 2025 | OneFootball

Manchester City have reportedly sanctioned the transfer of rising Argentine attacking midfield prospect Claudio Echeverri to sister club Girona at the start of next year.

The Premier League champions beat away a large level of interest in the teenage playmaker during the recent January transfer window, announcing the acquisition of Echeverri on a contract running until the summer of 2028, in a deal worth £12.5 million plus add-ons.

However, Manchester City supporters have been made to wait before they see Claudio Echeverri sporting any club training wear or appearing at the City Football Academy facility, with the player remaining on loan at River Plate until the end of 2024.

That wait could now run until at least the end of the 2024/25 season in England and wider Europe, with a fresh report highlighting the seemingly confirmed plan from all parties for Echeverri upon his arrival in European football.

That is according to the information of Argentina-based journalist Sebastián Srur, who reports that it has now been ‘reaffirmed’ that Claudio Echeverri will leave Manchester City for La Liga’s Girona in January 2025.

While it is not made clear, it can be presumed that the arrangement will be that of an initial six-month loan agreement, with a decision made by Manchester City as to whether the player can integrate himself into the Etihad Stadium squad for the 2025/26 campaign.

Echeverri could become the latest in a long line of hugely exciting Manchester City prospects sent on loan to Girona, with the Catalan City Group-owned side entrusted as being the best possible destination for player development.

This season alone has seen a number of names developed under the coaching of manager Míchel, with Yan Couto – currently on-loan from Manchester City – starring in La Liga with the club, and earning himself a senior Brazil call-up as a result of his performances.

Manchester City will also recruit as a direct result of one player’s Girona performances, signing City Group star Savio from ESTAC Troyes on a permanent agreement, with the player expected to join Pep Guardiola’s side for the forthcoming pre-season tour of the USA this summer.