Claudio Echeverri and Manchester City face clash over transfer plans amid Bayer Leverkusen struggles | OneFootball

Manchester City remain determined to hand Claudio Echeverri experience in European football, despite the player’s feeling that a return to River Plate may be beneficial.

The situation marks the latest twist in what has become a challenging first season away from the Etihad Stadium for the highly-rated Argentine midfielder. Having joined Bayer Leverkusen on loan during the summer, Echeverri was expected to continue his upward trajectory after glimpses of promise under Pep Guardiola last campaign.

Instead, the 19-year-old has found consistent minutes hard to come by in German football, sparking growing frustration from his side and prompting conversations over his future direction.

Manchester City’s long-term plan has always centred around ensuring Claudio Echeverri adapts permanently to top-level European football, before eventually competing regularly in the Premier League for the Etihad Stadium side.

The club sanctioned his move to Bayer Leverkusen following interest from Girona, believing it offered the ideal balance of competitive level and developmental potential. However, as the Argentine has struggled for regular involvement, reports have continued to surface suggesting discontent behind the scenes and a potential re-evaluation of the loan arrangement.

Now, according to TyC Sports journalist Juan Cortese – relayed by Soy del Millo and translated by Sport Witness – Claudio Echeverri holds an intention to return to River Plate following his difficulties whilst on loan at Bayer Leverkusen so far this season.

“Claudio Echeverri intends to play for River again… Frustrated by his lack of playing time in Germany, ‘El Diablito’ has the idea of ​​returning in January, although it doesn’t depend on him, but rather on City, who own his contract,” said Cortese.

The journalist continued, “Right now, it seems unlikely that City will opt for his return to River in the short term.”

Soy del Millo have added their own information on the situation too, with it claimed that Manchester City continue to want Echeverri to gain experience in Europe, as such ruling out any return to River Plate during the upcoming January market.

While the idea of a return to River Plate could provide Echeverri with more consistent playing time, City’s stance remains firm. Club officials believe the midfielder must continue adjusting to the pace, tactics, and physicality of European football if he is to eventually succeed in the Premier League.

As such, even if his Bayer Leverkusen loan is cut short, another European destination – potentially within the City Football Group network and perhaps Girona in La Liga – is viewed as a more realistic option.

Manchester City’s recall clause in the Leverkusen deal gives them flexibility in January, but previous reports have suggested that any recall would only lead to another loan move rather than a reintegration into Pep Guardiola’s first-team squad.

Ultimately, Claudio Echeverri’s long-term trajectory remains one of Manchester City’s key development projects, and the club are expected to continue monitoring his progress closely through to the new year.