Revealed: Man City's long-term plan for January transfer target Claudio Echeverri

It has been reported that City have agreed to a £20m ($25m) deal with River Plate for the Argentine starlet. However, it has been mooted that the forward will remain at River Plate until at least the summer, with the possibility of extending his stay until the end of 2024 to allow him to get accustomed to the rigours of professional football.

However, according to Ole, Echeverri might not arrive on English shores even in January 2025. Unlike the case of Julian Alvarez, who had more experience when joining City, Echeverri will make a stop-over at Girona, the La Liga outfit which is part of the City Football Group. City's objective is for Echeverri to undergo physical, football, and emotional maturity before taking a step in the Premier League.

Ole claims that Pep Guardiola was not even involved with the signing of Echeverri as he will never manage the starlet at Etihad. The manager's current contract ends in the summer of 2025 and a renewal is unlikely on the cards. Hence, when Echeverri ultimately arrives at the club, following his stint with Girona, it is more than likely that Guardiola will no longer be at the dugout of City.

City believes that Echeverri is not suitable for Guardiola's style of play and hence there is no hurry to bring the youngster to England. Apart from the forward, City are reportedly also keeping an eye on two other River Plate prospects, Agustin Ruberto and Ian Subiabre.