Claudio Echeverri leaves Man City on loan to join Marco Silva’s Benfica | OneFootball

Marco Silva has another new addition to his Benfica squad, with the Portuguese club announcing the season-long loan signing of Argentine attacking midfielder Claudio Echeverri from Manchester City.

The 20-year-old joins for the current campaign, with reports suggesting City will cover his full wages. Benfica are also believed to have an option to make the transfer permanent next summer.

Echeverri moved to City from River Plate in 2024 for €18.5 million, having been regarded as one of the brightest young talents in South America. However, opportunities in the first team have been limited, with the youngster spending time on loan at River Plate, Bayer Leverkusen and Girona.

An attacking midfielder by trade, Echeverri can operate centrally or drift into wider areas, particularly from the left. He made his City first-team debut in the 2025 FA Cup final and also scored a superb free-kick against Al Ain during the Club World Cup.