Amid a series of defeats, Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola is under pressure. His team has lost 9 out of their last 12 matches this season, and ahead of tomorrow’s Premier League clash against Everton, City sits in seventh place on the table with 17 points from 8 wins, 4 losses, and 5 draws. In light of these struggles, Guardiola is reportedly set to sign Argentina’s rising star, Claudio Echeverri, dubbed the ‘new Messi’, to help turn the team’s fortunes around.
City had bought Echeverri for €12 million last year but had loaned him back to River Plate for a year. Now, the 18-year-old is set to join City in January, a decision that has replaced City’s original plan of sending him on loan to Girona. Given the club’s current struggles, Guardiola has opted to bring Echeverri directly into the squad.
The addition of Echeverri is expected to bring new energy to the team, and Guardiola is hoping his arrival will help lift City out of their current slump. Echeverri recently played his final match for River Plate, where he contributed 4 goals and 6 assists this year, helping the team reach fifth place in the league standings. His standout performances also helped Argentina secure a 3-0 win over Brazil in the U-17 World Cup quarterfinals last November, further solidifying his reputation as one of the most promising talents in world football.
Due to his playing style, which closely resembles that of Lionel Messi, Echeverri has earned the nickname ‘new Messi’. City fought off competition from clubs like Barcelona and Arsenal to secure his signature. Guardiola is now counting on this young talent to make an impact and help turn City’s season around.
Reports suggest that Echeverri may be immediately integrated into the first team once he arrives at City. Before leaving River Plate for European football, Echeverri bid an emotional farewell to the club, thanking the staff, teammates, and supporters for their support.