Claudio Echeverri: Manchester City sign the 'Next Lionel Messi'

The latest Manchester City transfer news is that the Premier League champions Manchester City have clinched the signing of Argentine prodigy Claudio Echeverri from River Plate in a £12.5 million deal.

Hailed as 'the next Lionel Messi,' the highly-rated 18-year-old has inked a contract with the treble winners until 2028. However, City fans will have to wait until 2025 to witness Echeverri in the iconic Sky Blue colors as he will continue honing his skills with River Plate until the end of 2024.

City confirmed the news, posting on Twitter and a club statement said:

"Everyone at Manchester City is looking forward to welcoming Claudio to the Club and we wish him the best of luck in his remaining time with River."

A Rising Star

Claudio Echeverri caught global attention at the Under-17 World Cup in Peru, displaying his brilliance with five goals in the tournament, including a memorable hat-trick against Brazil. His debut for River Plate in June 2023, under the tutelage of former City defender Martin Demichelis, showcased his promising talent.

Viral Sensation Turned City Star

The journey for Echeverri began as an 11-year-old sensation at the Champions Trophy youth tournament, where he scored nine goals in seven games, creating a viral buzz. Now, with a £12.5 million move to Manchester City, the wonderkid is poised for a stellar career in his next step of professional football.

Alvarez Approach

The decision to sign the 18-year-old River Plate star mirrors City's previous approach with Julian Alvarez, emphasizing the club's commitment to nurturing young talent, ultimately unleashing them as global superstars.

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