Claudio Echeverri has admitted that Manchester City legend and fellow Argentine Sergio Aguero influenced him to make the move to the Etihad Stadium.
The 19-year-old attacking midfielder was signed by the Citizens in January 2024 for a reported £12.5m, but he remained in his native Argentina on loan at River Plate until last month.
Echeverri has now officially arrived in Manchester after excelling at the Under-20 South American Championship, where he captained Argentina to a runners-up finish.
The highly-rated youngster scored six goals and provided three assists across nine games at the tournament, with braces against eventual champions Brazil and Uruguay the standout contributions.
Widely regarded as one of the brightest prospects in South America, Echeverri has departed River Plate where he recorded four goals and eight assists in 48 senior appearances, winning the Argentine Primera Division, Trofeo de Campeones and Supercopa Argentina in 2023.
Echeverri, who has been handed the No.30 shirt at Man City and will be immediately integrated into Pep Guardiola's first-team squad, has detailed how compatriot Aguero played an important role in his decision to join the reigning Premier League champions.
Claudio's here! 🩵 pic.twitter.com/dVucRwyXBF
— Manchester City (@ManCity) February 27, 2025
Echeverri confirms conversation with Aguero before joining Man City
"I've spoken to [Sergio] Aguero," Echeverri told Man City's official website: "I also talked to Martin Demichelis (former City defender and River Plate manager). They told me [City] was a great club with amazing players and a beautiful history.
"I knew about it (the special relationship between Argentina and Man City). Aguero, in particular, stands out.
"He's a legend here at Manchester City because of everything he achieved and the incredible player he was. I used to watch him play and, honestly, it's an amazing feeling to be here."
Echeverri has become the 12th Argentine to join Man City, following in the footsteps of several players who have made their mark at the club including Julian Alvarez, Pablo Zabaleta and Carlos Tevez.
Asked if he feels that Man City have a special reputation in Argentina, Echeverri said: "Yes I think so. Especially because of the players who have come here and done really well - Kun Aguero, Julian Alvarez, Zabaleta.
"They are all very important players who have played here. I'm at a great club with a lot of history."
🆕#️⃣3️⃣0️⃣ pic.twitter.com/iH4RibiiiS
— Manchester City (@ManCity) February 27, 2025
Echeverri admires "very spicy" Doku, Savinho
Echeverri is the latest attacking talent to arrive at Man City hoping to develop his game under Guardiola, and the teenager has expressed his desire to emulate the rapid rise of fellow young attackers Jeremy Doku and Savinho.
Discussing his new teammates, Echeverri said: "Yes, of course, I've watched them play. I'm a big fan of Doku. As I said, I see myself in them.
"They're very dynamic players, as we say in Argentina, "very spicy" with the ball. They always take on defenders and go forward every time they get the ball. The way they play is something to admire."
"Personally, I think I'm ready [for English football]," Echeverri added. "But obviously, I need to train with the team and improve.
"Hopefully, the adaptation period will be short so I can start playing soon. I like to attack, go forward, and dribble.
"I also love taking on defenders and getting past them. Hopefully, I can contribute, play well, and score a lot of goals."
Echeverri will now begin first-team training with Guardiola's squad and he could be in contention to make his Man City debut in Saturday's FA Cup fifth-round tie against Plymouth Argyle at the Etihad.
Oliver Thomas
