When could Claudio Echeverri make his Manchester City debut? | OneFootball

Manchester City could hand Claudio Echeverri his full first-team debut as soon as this weekend, it has been revealed.

The Argentine playmaker is due to become the fifth new addition into the Premier League champions’ squad since the turn of the year, after club bosses spent around £175 million on four new arrivals during the recent January transfer window.

Echeverri was a deal completed over 12 months ago in the winter market of 2024, while Manchester City and River Plate agreed for the youngster to remain with the South American giants for a further year.

However, upon leaving River Plate for the Etihad Stadium, City bosses then agreed to an extended period away from the club as Claudio Echeverri captained the Argentina Under-20 side at the South American Championships.

His stellar performances brought an array of goals and assists for his country, as Argentina narrowly finished second in the competition to Brazil’s Under-20 side – a team Echeverri and his teammates dismantled 0-6 on the opening night of the tournament.

Having now travelled over to England with his girlfriend this week, dates have been put in place as to when the Premier League champions can expect to welcome their newest rising star into the squad, and when a debut could also happen.

According to the information of the Manchester Evening News’ Simon Bajkowski, Claudio Echeverri will train with his new Manchester City teammates for the first time on Thursday.

It is further detailed that, all being well, Echeverri could then be available for selection by manager Pep Guardiola for Saturday’s FA Cup fifth round tie against Championship side Plymouth Argyle.

The Manchester City manager has however stated during a recent press conference that Echeverri is currently being viewed as a player for the longer-term future, and not for the ongoing campaign.

Guardiola told reporters earlier this week, “He’s here soon.

“He’s going to start training and mainly will be for the end of the season, maybe the World Cup. And as soon as possible he arrives and he can adapt quick for the future.”

It remains to be seen just what Manchester City’s plans are for Echeverri beyond the end of the ongoing campaign, and whether the club feel as though he will have a part to play in the next campaign, albeit without too much pressure and responsibility on his shoulders.

The expectation is Pep Guardiola and his staff will make an assessment on the player during the final weeks and months of the season, plus during the Club World Cup in the United States, before it is decided whether a loan exit is more appropriate to settle into European football.