What Julian Alvarez and Pep Guardiola have told Claudio Echeverri about Manchester City | OneFootball

Claudio Echeverri has revealed details of two conversations he has held with prominent Manchester City figures from both the past and present about life at the club.

The 19-year-old signed for Manchester City in January 2024 and was immediately sent back to former side River Plate on loan for the rest of the 2024-25 campaign – a path Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez has trodden in the past when he signed for the 2023 treble winners.

Echeverri has been training with Pep Guardiola’s first-team since his arrival to England in January 2025, with the Argentina U-20 yet to make a first-team appearance as he keeps developing and learning his trade under the Catalan manager.

A decision will be made on the 19-year-old’s immediate future come the summer as Hugo Viana leads a busy summer of transfer dealings to bolster Guardiola’s squad and replace the outgoing Kevin De Bruyne.

Speaking during a new conversation with Manchester City’s official club website, Claudio Echeverri revealed what he has been told by Pep Guardiola that will ensure his transition into the Etihad Stadium longer-term will go smoothly.

“He (Guardiola) told me that he was very happy that I’m here, he said that I can count on them for whatever I need,” the 19-year-old said of the Catalan head coach.

“I thanked him (Guardiola) for the opportunity and that’s it, that I’m always available.”

Echeverri also revealed the details of a conversation he had with the recently-departed Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez, in which his compatriot spoke fondly of life at the Etihad Stadium.

The former River Plate attacking midfielder said, “I spoke with Julian Alvarez; he told me this is a club that gives you everything to become a very good player, you have everything you need, all the people are really, very good.

“And he (Alvarez) wishes me the best and if I ever need anything, I can contact him. I’m very grateful.”

It is perhaps too early to ascertain whether Echeverri will make the cut for Guardiola’s squad next season and it is highly likely Manchester City find a suitable club for their talented attacking midfielder to get regular first-team football under his belt next season.

Whilst the likes of Nico O’Reilly, James McAtee, Oscar Bobb and Rico Lewis have been moulded into first-team players in recent seasons, Echeverri is a very recent addition to the Manchester City squad and will need time to develop into what Guardiola wants him to be.