What is the best move for a Manchester City starlet for next season? | OneFootball

Manchester City have a plethora of young players who appear destined for long and successful careers at the highest level. One of those players is young attacking midfielder Claudio Echeverri. Echeverri does look to have all of the talent necessary to become an important player for Manchester City in the future. But as of right now is it best for Echeverri to remain at Manchester City or go out on loan next season? There is merit to both ideas but perhaps a loan move could accelerate Echeverri’s development.

If Claudio Echeverri stayed at Manchester City next season, would he get the minutes he needs to aid development?

Given the position that Claudio Echeverri plays he would face competition for minutes in Pep Guardiola’s squad. Throughout his young career, Echeverri has played primarily as a number ten or on the left wing. The Manchester City squad is packed with players who play those roles. Claudio Echeverri is only 19 years of age, so unless he set the world on fire during Manchester City’s pre-season, it would be expected that he would likely spend next season on the periphery of the City squad.

Training with the City first team and playing sporadic minutes wouldn’t be the worst thing for Claudio Echeverri. It could help further integrate him into the City set up. But he did do that during the second half of last season for Pep Guardiola’s side. You do sense that he needs to play regularly to accelerate his development.

A loan move may be the best move for Claudio Echeverri and City.

By going out on loan next season at the right club, Claudio Echeverri could get the first-team opportunities he needs to grow as a player. The opportunities that he may not get as a member of Pep Guardiola’s squad may exist elsewhere. If Echeverri can play regular first-team football next season it should see him progress his game. If he had a good season at another club in Europe, he would return to Manchester City, potentially ready to make an impact in the 26/27 season.

Summary.

There is merit to the idea of Claudio Echeverri staying at Manchester City next season. He could learn the ropes at City and continue his development. But he may be better served going out on loan. A loan move could accelerate his development and set him up for a long career at City. Given the fact that City do need to trim their squad a loan move may beckon for Echeverri.