River Plate bidding to delay midfielder’s eight-figure move to Manchester City despite January announcement | OneFootball

Claudio Echeverri could be set to extend his stay at River Plate despite plans for the teenager to move to Manchester City later this year.

The 18-year-old became Manchester City’s latest signing from the South American region in January, completing a £12.5 million move to the Etihad Stadium and signing a contract until 2028 with the Sky Blues, prior to returning to River Plate on loan.

The 2006-born star opted to sign for the recently crowned Premier League champions despite strong interest from Barcelona and Chelsea, with the teenager expected to officially move to east Manchester in January 2025.

The River Plate and Argentina Under-17 star will follow in the footsteps of Julian Alvarez, who moved to Manchester City directly from River Plate in 2022, and has already made 102 appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side.

Echeverri captained Argentina at the Under-17 FIFA World Cup in November 2023, where the midfielder scored five goals – including a hat-trick against Brazil at the quarter-final stage.

The teenager has made 18 appearances for River Plate so far this season, and has been directly involved in six goals for the Argentinian heavyweights.

Plans for the next few months to be Echeverri’s last at River Plate may be set for change however, with the South American side interested in extending the current loan of the 18-year-old, according to TNT Sports claims relayed by Sport Witness.

An ‘unexpected turn’ has left River Plate wanting to extend the midfielder’s stay at the club, after qualifying for the Copa Libertadores and the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup – with Manchester City also set to compete in the latter competition next year.

‘Family issues’ could also reportedly tempt Echeverri to remain in Argentina, as River Plate plan negotiations with Manchester City officials around delaying the teen’s exit by a further six months.

Etihad officials had reportedly been interested in sending Echeverri to La Liga in January in 2025, with Girona, Real Sociedad and Real Betis all potential suitors for the midfielder.