Manchester City secured the signing of highly-rated Argentine prospect Claudio Echeverri from River Plate during the middle of last season, completing the deal in the January transfer window. However, as part of the agreement, the teenager remained on loan at the Buenos Aires-based club for a year, allowing him to continue his development in Argentina before making the switch to England.
Despite being officially a Manchester City player, the 19-year-old has yet to make an appearance for Pep Guardiola’s side, and it now appears that his immediate future could lie away from the Etihad Stadium. Reports from the Rome edition of Corriere della Sera suggest that discussions are currently taking place regarding a potential loan move for Echeverri to Lazio in the upcoming summer transfer window.
The Italian outlet adds an interesting detail, stating that Echeverri was spotted in Rome recently and even dined at a restaurant located close to Lazio’s Formello training ground. While there has been no official confirmation from either club, the report strongly hints that negotiations for a temporary switch are well underway. Given the midfielder’s presence in the Italian capital, there is speculation that his visit was not a mere coincidence, but rather a sign that progress is being made on a potential deal.
Echeverri, who made a name for himself in River Plate’s first team, has already accumulated significant experience despite his young age. Over the course of his time with the senior squad, he made 48 appearances across all competitions, registering four goals and providing eight assists. His performances at River Plate caught the attention of several top European clubs, but it was Manchester City who ultimately secured his signature.
With a move to Lazio now being discussed, Echeverri could have the opportunity to gain valuable experience in European football before integrating into City’s squad in the future. If a loan deal materializes, it would provide the young Argentine with the chance to adapt to a different playing style and gain regular game time in one of Europe’s top leagues.
For now, the negotiations appear to be in the early stages, and further updates are expected in the coming weeks. However, if the loan move is finalized, it could be an important step in Echeverri’s development as he looks to eventually make his mark at Manchester City.
