Manchester City About to find out if River Plate's persistence becomes a real factor in Claudio Echeverri's future.
The Argentine club tried to bring back the attacking midfielder in January. They worked hard, player interest grew and the return to Buenos Aires showed some momentum. Yet this step was never taken.
At the time, the main obstacle was Manchester City's determination to keep Echeverri within City Football Group's development path. Instead of returning to South America, he was sent to girona For the second half of the season.
Now Rivers is preparing for another attempt, and the circumstances look very different.
according to TYC SportsThe Argentine side will contact Manchester City directly to find out if Echeverri can join on loan.
The report adds that Rivers believes the youngster could struggle for significant first-team consideration next season and sees an opportunity to renegotiate a deal that fell through just six months ago.
January's effort provides important context
This is not a new idea of Rivers. As we followed closelyThe club had already tried to secure Echeverri in January after his loan spell at Bayer Leverkusen was going nowhere.
TYC Sports reports that Rivers pushed hard at the time The player himself was curious about the possibility.
However, Manchester City refused to approve the move. And girona compromise solution.
At the time, it seemed logical. Verona offered regular experience in a major European league, familiarity with the City Football Group model, and a working route for other young players.
But the reality proved more complex.
More minutes, but no success
Echeverri certainly played more football in Spain than in Germany.
After barely appearing for Leverkusen, he made 17 appearances for Verona during the second half of the campaign. Yet only five of them appeared as starters. His final numbers were one goal and one assist.
were there encouraging signs. Bayern manager Michel Sánchez repeatedly talked about helping him play with more freedom and confidence.
However, the loan did not exactly become the success that many had hoped for.
Perhaps the biggest disappointment came collectively. Verona's season ended with relegation from La Liga, meaning that Echeverri's first extended experience of senior European football ended with a drop to the second division.
Guardiola's departure may change the equation
It is here that the river sees an opening.
According to TYC Sports, the club's view is that Echeverri could still find himself down the pecking order at Manchester City next season. A first-team role under Guardiola was already looking difficult. This arguably looks even more uncertain during a managerial change.
Also, the biggest obstacle the river faced in January has disappeared.
Guardiola was a central figure In the decision to keep Echeverri in Europe and under the umbrella of City Football Group. With the Spaniard gone, River can reasonably expect City's football department to re-evaluate the situation.
The player remains under contract until June 2028, so Manchester City will retain full control over the next step. Still, Rivers believes there are some reasons to be optimistic.
TYC Sports report that the Argentine side feel a positive disposition from Echeverri and maintain open dialogue with Manchester City officials.
Relations between the clubs have been strong over the years, helped by past business such as Julián Álvarez's move to England.
Whether this will be enough is another question.
