Manchester City welcomed a new signing to their group this week as exciting attacking midfielder Claudio Echeverri finally linked up with his new teammates.
The 19-year-old was purchased by City in January 2024 but the decision was made to keep him on loan at boyhood club River Plate to aid his development. That loan spell expired last month but Echeverri remained away from Manchester until this week after competing at the U20 South American Championship where he captained Argentina's youngsters to a runners-up finish.
Now with his new team, the midfielder is available to make his debut for City. However, MEN Sport has taken a look at why this is unlikely against Championship club Plymouth Argyle.
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Guardiola's Echeverri admission
In his pre-match press conference, Pep Guardiola was asked whether Echeverri was in line for his City debut this evening having arrived at the Etihad Stadium. Reading between the lines, it appeared that the Blues' manager was reluctant to thrust him immediately into the first team.
He told reporters: "He arrived yesterday, he has good skills. Welcome, we're going to have him and we'll see.
"I don't know [when he plays], this is the decisive part of the season, every game is a final. There are two games in the Premier League before the international break, massively important.
"Nottingham Forest are third, Brighton are there. Focus on that, in the end have long weeks to train and prepare well, everyone has to focus."
Shirt number
During his time at River Plate, Echeverri wore both the No.43 and No.19 shirts reflecting his rise from an academy prospect to first-team regular. At City, the midfielder has been given a number that perhaps reflects his position between the first team and the academy which is the No.30.
Transfer fee
Having completed the deal in January last year, City look to have picked up a bargain if Echeverri can reach the heights expected of him. The Blues paid £12.5m for the midfielder and committed him to a contract until the summer of 2028.
What Echeverri has said on joining City
Speaking after arriving at City, Echeverri insisted he was delighted to be representing the club. "I cannot tell you how excited I am to be here in Manchester and to finally be able to call myself a Manchester City player," he explained.
"Football has been my life, and my dream was to play for one of the best teams in Europe. Today I am closer to that dream.
"Manchester City are one of the best teams in the world. Not only do they win trophies, they play the game so beautifully.
"They are an example to everyone – they show people how to play football the best way. To be part of this team and the culture here at City – and use this as my basis to develop my game – is something I am really excited about.
"My family and I are so proud to be here. My focus now is on working as hard as I can in training to show the manager and his staff I am good enough to be part of this team."
