Claudio Echeverri leaves Manchester City on season-long loan deal | OneFootball

Manchester City have finalised and confirmed a season-long loan for attacking midfielder Claudio Echeverri, who joins Bundesliga giants Bayer Leverkusen.

The Argentine teenager has been highly regarded within the Etihad project since his arrival from River Plate, where he was considered one of South America’s brightest prospects.

After completing his move to City in January 2024, Echeverri remained on loan with River until early 2025 before linking up with Pep Guardiola’s squad. Despite high expectations, the playmaker was always viewed as a long-term project, and this latest move is designed to accelerate his pathway into senior European football.

Echeverri’s first taste of action in a City shirt came in the second half of the 2024/25 campaign, making his debut with a cameo in the FA Cup final defeat to Crystal Palace at Wembley, before following it up with another substitute appearance on the final day of the Premier League season away at Fulham.

His first goal for the club would then arrive in the FIFA Club World Cup, where he scored a well-taken free-kick against Al Ain in Atlanta – although his night ended early through injury.

The decision to sanction a loan move has not come as a surprise, with Manchester City previously considering similar developmental opportunities for other high-profile youngsters. James McAtee and James Trafford have both had their careers shaped by spells away, and officials will hope Echeverri’s time in Germany provides him with the same benefits.

As confirmed by both Manchester City and Bayer Leverkusen on Thursday, Claudio Echeverri will feature in the Bundesliga for the duration of the 2025/26 season, with the German club holding no option to buy on the 19-year-old next summer.

The choice of Leverkusen as a destination is also telling. Erik ten Hag’s side are tipped to be one of the most exciting clubs in Europe, combining youth development with Champions League ambition.

For Claudio Echeverri, this represents the chance to earn regular game time in a demanding environment, something that would have been far more difficult under Pep Guardiola’s stacked midfield options.

Looking ahead, City will keep a close eye on Echeverri’s progress, with the Argentine widely tipped to be part of the club’s long-term midfield rebuild. His technical flair and eye for goal could see him develop into a key figure in the seasons to come, particularly with long-term doubts over the likes of Ilkay Gundogan, Mateo Kovacic, and Bernardo Silva.

Should Claudio Echeverri excel in the Bundesliga, he could return to the Etihad Stadium next summer ready to compete more seriously for a first-team role. Alternatively, Manchester City may consider further loan moves if they feel he requires more time before cementing his place in Pep Guardiola’s plans.