Claudio Echeverri Becomes A Burst For Big European Clubs, But River Plate Hasn't Been Sincere

Claudio Echeverri wants to play in Europe (doc. FIFA).

JAKARTA - Claudio Echeverri was in the spotlight when he appeared at the 2023 U-17 World Cup in Indonesia. As captain of Argentina U-17, the striker's appearance was stunning.

After returning from Indonesia, Echeverri became an Argentine pearl. The big European clubs turned out to pay attention to every game.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester City is at the forefront of the 17-year-old's hunt. Chelsea and Barcelona also approached Echeverri.

Echeverri suddenly became the hottest asset considering that a few days ago he did not renew his contract with the River Plate. Moreover, he brought River Plate to win the Trofeo de Campeones 2023 on December 22, 2023.

Echeverri's appearance as a starter against Rosario Central further adds to his appeal. No wonder, the radar of the big clubs immediately lit up in order to get his signature.

"I won't renew the contract, but I will last another six months or a year," Echeverri said at Marca.

Pep Guardiola's team has prepared an offer of 25 million euros or around Rp. 425.3 billion. Ole said the offer was plus guarantees that Echeverri would get a permanent contract.

The offer from Manchester City is clearly difficult to match other teams interested in the Argentine.

Barcelona seem to be stepping down from the hunt considering they have to save money on Financial Fair Play.

Although very much in accordance with Mananjer Xavi Hernandez's taste, Barca management struggled to collide.

"He is talented, beyond the goals he scored against Brazil, he is a different footballer. However, I am not responsible for this (player recruitment) issue. It is the sports field that is responsible," Xavi said.

Meanwhile, Echeverri, who is the original student of the River Plate, is not actually loyal to the club that raised him.

In fact, the desire to leave is based on the intention to present very large cash for River Plate, which has invested in him while educating him since childhood.

However, the intention was not very smooth. River Plate itself seemed to fence off Echeverri from leaving in the near future.

"He was young and when they put the microphone on him after his first game as a starter, after winning the title (Trofeo de Campeones)."

"Everyone dreams of playing in Europe, but this (River Plate) institution is huge," said Martin Demichelis, Director of Technical River.

Shortly after Demichelis' comments, Echeverri softened through uploads on his social media. "I'm happy about my second title in this uniform, for a joyful 2024. Always River," he wrote.

The chances of leaving River Plate at the end of this season seem to get in the way from the club. However, it is not impossible that a surprise will occur considering that negotiations are still long until the middle of next year.