Manchester City is preparing to leave Claudio Echeverri, who will replace Florian Wirtz at Bayer Leverkusen.
Manchester City have reached an agreement to loan Claudio Echeverri to Bayer Leverkusen, filling the gap left by Florian Wirtz’s departure to Liverpool. The 19-year-old Argentine midfielder will spend the season in Germany without an option to buy, according to journalist Matteo Moretto.
Leverkusen finds Wirtz replacement with City’s help
Echeverri, nicknamed Diablito in Argentina, is viewed by City as a long-term project. The Premier League champions believe regular playing time in the Bundesliga will accelerate his development. Leverkusen, meanwhile, gain an immediate replacement for Wirtz, who had been the team’s main creative force.
The agreement ensures Bayer will cover the player’s full salary, and Echeverri is already undergoing medical tests before being officially unveiled by Erik ten Hag’s squad.
A promising career path
Signed from River Plate in January 2024 for €18.5 million (around R$117m), Echeverri remained on loan at his boyhood club before moving to Manchester. Though opportunities under Pep Guardiola were limited, he impressed during the Club World Cup, particularly in a standout performance against Al-Ain.
Despite interest from Girona, Roma, and Borussia Dortmund, Leverkusen presented the most convincing sporting project, leveraging their reputation for developing young talents such as Kai Havertz and Jeremie Frimpong.
What to expect in the Bundesliga
At just 19, Echeverri arrives in Germany with the expectation of becoming a key figure in midfield. His technical skills, vision, and dribbling ability have made him one of Argentina’s most exciting prospects, and Leverkusen hope he can quickly adapt to the pace of German football.
For Manchester City, the loan ensures their investment continues to mature, while Bayer Leverkusen benefit from a ready-made replacement for one of their most important players.
