FC Barcelona continue to work towards reinforcing their squad in the summer. However, not every transfer target is easily accessible, and those that are will likely be targeted by other clubs as well. Ultimately, both the timing and execution of transfer strategies must be ideal for Barcelona.
A certain Argentinian youngster has caught the eyes of Barcelona in recent weeks. Aged just 17, Claudio Echeverri became a great desire for the club from Barcelona. However, that desire may have to give up on becoming a reality anytime soon.
According to SPORT, the talented South American prodigy looks destined to go to England instead. Manchester City, specifically, is the club that is closest to finalizing an agreement for the attacking midfielder.
Moreover, City hopes to use a plan of action that hardly any other team could beat. Firstly, the English champions intend to pay the player’s release clause ranging between €25-30 million. On top of that, they will lend him back to River Plate on loan to continue in Argentina.
Similar to what they did with Julian Alvarez, City hopes to repeat that offer with Echeverri. In the case of the Argentinian striker, City originally bought him in January of 2022 for his €11 million release clause, and then allowed him to remain with River Plate until the end of the season.
This allows the two clubs to maintain their already strong relations, as well as give Echeverri, and formerly Alvarez, a peace of mind in terms of guaranteeing them a place in a top European club. Unlike other interested sides, City can boast both an unparalleled sporting project as well as the finances to back up their desires.
For Barcelona, this would come as a major blow. While Echeverri remains a great admirer of Barça publicly, the Catalan club simply cannot afford him at the moment. Financial Fairplay continues to hold back La Blaugrana, and consequently, also their desire to reinforce their team.
