Manchester City attacking midfielder set for La Liga loan transfer until end of season | OneFootball

Officials at the Etihad Stadium have signed off on a six-month loan agreement for highly-rated Manchester City playmaker Claudio Echeverri.

The decision marks the latest step in what has been a closely managed and, at times, contentious development pathway for the Argentine teenager, following the early termination of his loan spell with Bayer Leverkusen.

Manchester City have been actively assessing alternative options since recalling Echeverri from Germany, with a clear preference to keep the player in European football despite repeated suggestions of a possible return to River Plate.

As reported across recent weeks, Echeverri’s time in the Bundesliga proved frustrating, with limited minutes and strong competition in attacking areas preventing the 19-year-old from establishing rhythm or continuity.

While Leverkusen staff spoke positively about his attitude and potential, City ultimately determined that a change of environment was necessary to protect the player’s progression and confidence during the second half of the campaign.

That assessment has aligned with City’s broader stance throughout this saga that Echeverri must gain regular experience in a top European league before being seriously considered for Pep Guardiola’s first-team plans.

The club have seemingly resisted pressure from the player’s camp to sanction a move back to South America, instead prioritising structured minutes, tactical education, and adaptation to European football demands.

Now, as first reported by journalist Cesar Luis Merlo – and confirmed elsewhere – Manchester City’s highly-rated attacking midfielder Claudio Echeverri is set to join City Football Group’s Girona on loan until the end of the ongoing campaign.

The La Liga side offer a familiar tactical framework, a proven pathway for young loanees, and an environment in which Echeverri is expected to receive significantly more responsibility than he did in Germany.

Manager Míchel has already demonstrated a willingness to trust developing attackers, something City believe will be crucial. From the Blues’ perspective, the move also restores a degree of control over Echeverri’s short-term future, following criticism from Guardiola regarding the role of the player’s representatives in influencing his previous loan destination.

A Girona spell allows Manchester City to closely monitor performance data, physical adaptation, and tactical growth within their own network.

Looking ahead, the six-month loan is likely to be viewed as a decisive audition. A strong second half of the season in La Liga could place Claudio Echeverri firmly back on Manchester City’s long-term planning radar ahead of pre-season discussions, while any further stagnation may reopen debate over alternative European loans.