The world of football is a predatory market, and FC Barcelona know this all too well. La Blaugrana continue to hunt the transfer market, even with all their looming financial problems. However, things are never too easy for Barcelona considering that their high-profile targets also attract other suitors.
As such, it is always crucial for clubs to be early rather than late when it comes to pursuing hot names and big players. One such name is that of Claudio Echeverri, an Argentinian youngster who has become quite the attraction. Following his impressive displays in the Under-17 FIFA World Cup, many top clubs have been following him closely.
FC Barcelona is among those many suitors for the Argentine. Moreover, even the player himself has publicly admitted his admiration for the Blaugrana club. However, it seems that the biggest threat to this ‘fated’ collaboration arrives from the English Premier League.
As per the latest update from Italian journalist Gianluigi Longari, Manchester City are very keen on Echeverri. They are so invested, in fact, that they are willing to pay the player’s €25 million release clause. Their faith in the player is strong, and City wishes to incorporate the young Argentinian into their team.
However, the case remains a bit different for FC Barcelona. While the Catalan giants definitely want to have the talented midfielder, they are unable to pay his release clause. Other avenues have been studied, but the player’s current club, River Plate, does not seem interested.
For Barcelona, the objective remains to wait as much as possible. Given the player’s recent revelation that he is not going to renew with River Plate, Barcelona has reason to hope.
His current contract remains active until December of 2024, and that is when the player becomes a free agent. However, Man City’s intention remains to intervene well before that.
