Argentina's 'next Lionel Messi' won't play for Man City in 2024-25 season as Claudio Echeverri closes in on loan transfer to Girona

The Argentina starlet, who formally signed for the Cityzens earlier in January, will remain at his club River Plate until the end of the current calendar year, and was initally expected to arrive at the Etihad Stadium for the start of 2025. However, according to journalist Sebastian Srur, Echeverri could move to Girona on a six-month loan deal in January before joining the City setup ahead of the 2025-26 season.

The 18-year-old was one of the breakout stars at the U17 World Cup last year and his impressive performance for La Albiceleste grabbed the attention of several top European clubs including Barcelona. But the reigning European champions managed to beat all competition to rope in the youngster.

Known as the 'next Lionel Messi' in Argentina, Echeverri has appeared in six senior league matches for River Plater in the current season, where he has scored once and provided as many assists.

The future City star, who has appeared for Argentina's U23 side six times, will hope to make it to Javier Mascherano's squad that will compete in the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics this summer.