Manchester City stance on recalling Claudio Echeverri from Bayer Leverkusen revealed | OneFootball

Manchester City have the option to add Claudio Echeverri back into their squad this season, having signed off on a loan deal for the Argentine playmaker this summer.

The teenager only officially linked up with Pep Guardiola’s squad in February 2025 after completing his stay at River Plate, following his £12 million move agreed a year earlier.

He was handed opportunities to impress towards the end of Manchester City’s run-in last season, making his debut with a late cameo in the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace, and later appearing on the final day of the Premier League campaign against Fulham.

Echeverri also provided a glimpse of his talent on the international stage with City at the FIFA Club World Cup, scoring a memorable free-kick against Al Ain before being forced off injured at half-time. That goal underlined the excitement surrounding the 19-year-old, who is widely viewed by Guardiola and club officials as one for both the present and the future.

City opted to send Echeverri to Bayer Leverkusen this summer, believing regular top-level minutes in the Bundesliga would accelerate his development, particularly given the competition for places in Guardiola’s forward line.

But according to the information of The Athletic’s Jordan Campbell, Manchester City will not be recalling Claudio Echeverri from his loan at Bayer Leverkusen despite Rayan Cherki being sidelined through injury for up to two months.

It is detailed that while the Premier League side do have a recall clause in the agreement with the German club, such a move can only be triggered during the upcoming January transfer window.

As for the view of the player from manager Pep Guardiola, the Manchester City head coach is described as a ‘big admirer’ of the Argentine forward.

With Echeverri’s loan locked in until January, Manchester City are expected to place greater faith in their existing options to cover for Cherki, with Oscar Bobb among those who could benefit from additional opportunities, while Guardiola may also experiment with Phil Foden in a more central attacking role.

Looking ahead, Manchester City’s decision not to activate Echeverri’s clause in January will likely depend on two factors: the youngster’s progress at Bayer Leverkusen, and the fitness of Pep Guardiola’s attacking contingent.

Should injuries persist, worsen, or Echeverri thrives in Germany, the temptation to bring him back earlier than expected may grow stronger, even as Manchester City remain committed to his long-term development.