Pep Guardiola has confirmed that talented youngster Claudio Echeverri is set to remain on loan at River Plate amidst rumours that Manchester City could recall him following Julian Alvarez’s departure to Atletico Madrid.
Alvarez’s exit leaves Guardiola short of personnel in the striker department, with Erling Haaland currently being the club’s only recognised striker. Initially, there were reports that the manager could utilise James McAtee and Savinho instead of dipping into the transfer market. However, following Oscar Bobb’s major injury, City are now seriously considering possibly bringing in some new players.
Guardiola unclear regarding new signings
Asked whether Manchester City will be signing more players this summer, Guardiola replied, “Maybe… or maybe not! We’ll see… I’m really pleased with the squad we have. I know the vibe is, ‘We have to sign! We have to sign!’ We will see…”
He added, “I’m really pleased with the squad I have, with the players I have, and we will see what happens in the market. We can continue until the end in that way, or maybe we will add some players, we will see. I cannot answer you right now…”
Echeverri to stay at River Plate
The manager was then quizzed whether Claudio Echeverri, who is on loan with River Plate, would be brought in. The 18-year-old attacker was signed by Man City in January 2024 on a permanent deal from the Argentine side before being loaned back out to them.
The youngster is scheduled to arrive in Manchester in January next year, but there was speculation that the loan would be terminated due to the lack of personnel at Man City. Guardiola dismissed these claims, stating that he had “no idea about that. I didn’t talk with Txiki [Begiristain] about Claudio Echeverri, no…”
Since Echeverri will not be joining City for the first half of the Premier League season, Eberechi Eze remains likely to replace Alvarez at the Etihad Stadium.
