Manchester City have changed course on Claudio Echeverri again, and this time things appear to be moving very quickly.
Recent reports from Argentina had Enzo Maresca planning to keep the 20-year-old around and give him minutes. That wasn’t so accurate after all.
South American journalist César Luis Merlo, reporting for Tribuna, revealed earlier today that City have decided to send Echeverri out on loan again.
The plan is for him to continue playing in Europe, with a place in Maresca’s squad no longer under consideration for this season.
Initially, there were three possibilities. Benfica, Real Betis and Sheffield United had all shown interest. A few hours later, the picture became much clearer.
Benfica move now very advanced
Merlo’s latest update says Benfica have the Echeverri deal “practically on track”. Talks are very advanced and the proposed agreement is for a season-long loan. Crucially, Benfica would also receive an option to buy the Manchester City player.
There are still details to sort out before everything can be signed. However, those involved reportedly believe the negotiations are now in their final stages.
That is quite a turnaround. Not long ago, River Plate were trying to take Echeverri back to Argentina. Bahia then appeared among the interested clubs, offering City another possible route within the City Football Group.
Maresca seemingly put an end to all of that after taking a look at the youngster during pre-season. But now City have apparently decided another year elsewhere makes more sense.
This loan could be different
Echeverri badly needs the next move to work. His previous two loans provided moments rather than any real momentum.
Bayer Leverkusen gave him very little football. Girona offered considerably more, but he still only started five of his 17 matches and finished with one goal and one assist. There was enough to show why City bought him, not enough consistency.
Benfica would give him another chance to fix that, and potentially at a club well used to developing young South American talent.
The purchase option also makes this situation different. City previously appeared determined to keep Echeverri’s development under their control, even blocking his return to River earlier this year.
An agreement which allows Benfica to eventually buy him would at least leave another door open. Of course, an option is just that. For the immediate future, their priority seems to hand him his minutes.
Betis and Sheffield United were possibilities only hours ago. Benfica have now jumped ahead of both and appear very close to getting him.
After months of uncertainty over where Echeverri fits into City’s plans, his next stop may finally be taking shape.
