Man City's difference-maker? Wonderkid Claudio Echeverri finally set to join up with Pep Guardiola's squad - but ill-timed injury will delay debut

Manchester City signed Echeverri in the winter of 2024 from River Plate for a reported fee of £12.5 million ($15.7m) plus add-ons before sending him back on loan to the Argentine giants. Following the end of his loan deal at the end of 2024 and a short break after the end of the Argentine domestic season, Echeverri joined forces with Argentina Under-20s for the U-20 South American Championship.

Echeverri is now set to travel to Manchester to join forces with Pep Guardiola's side as per CityXtra. The report has suggested that the 19-year-old was expected to be sent out on another loan, however, he will stay with Manchester City for the rest of the season before the eight-time Premier League champions' top brass decide his future.

While Echeverri is set to join the Manchester City squad, his debut with the defending Premier League champions is likely to be delayed as he returns early from the U-20 South American Championship after he suffered an injury against Brazil in Argentina's second-last matchday of the tournament.

Echeverri's role at Manchester City for the rest of the season remains unclear as a potential debut and minutes remain an option before the end of the season after he recovers from his injury. However, the general belief in the camp is that the Argentine will need training to develop instead of being an option that can impact the rest of City's season.