Manchester City receive multi-million cash boost from Bayer Leverkusen in Claudio Echeverri transfer | OneFootball

Bayer Leverkusen have added further funding to Manchester City’s cash reserves with the emergence of a loan fee paid to the club for Claudio Echeverri.

The Argentine playmaker only joined up with Pep Guardiola’s first-team squad earlier this year, having completed his switch from River Plate in January 2024 but spending a further 12 months in Buenos Aires before moving to the Etihad Stadium in February 2025.

Echeverri was eased into life at Manchester City, making a cameo debut in the FA Cup final defeat to Crystal Palace, followed by a Premier League appearance against Fulham on the final day of the season.

Supporters also caught a glimpse of his creative ability in the FIFA Club World Cup, when he scored a spectacular free-kick against Al Ain in Atlanta, though he was forced off injured at half-time in that contest. With competition for minutes in Guardiola’s attacking line-up fierce, City opted to arrange a loan deal for the new campaign.

After weeks of interest from clubs across Europe, with reports naming the likes of Borussia Dortmund and AS Roma as potential suitors, City finalised an agreement with Bayer Leverkusen while ensuring the Bundesliga side would not hold a purchase option.

But as per the reporting of German newspaper Kicker, Manchester City also negotiated and received a €2 million fee from the aforementioned Bundesliga giants as part of the season-long loan arrangement for Echeverri.

The loan fee not only strengthens Manchester City’s balance sheet but also reflects how highly the teenager is rated across the continent, with the fee underlining the value of even short-term exits for their emerging stars.

Looking ahead, the financial boost could further support City’s ongoing recruitment drive, particularly as speculation continues around defensive reinforcements particularly at right-back from January, and the centre of defence from next summer.

Just as importantly, the structure of the deal keeps open the possibility of Claudio Echeverri returning to Pep Guardiola’s squad as early as January 2026, should circumstances demand it.

For now, City will be watching closely as Echeverri adapts to life in the Bundesliga. If he thrives, the club will not only have benefitted financially but may also see the youngster return as a more complete option, capable of competing for a regular place in Guardiola’s plans.