Manchester City are reportedly considering recalling talented midfielder Claudio Echeverri from his loan spell at Bayer Leverkusen, following growing dissatisfaction over his lack of involvement. According to former Manchester United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains highly respected and well-connected within professional football, City are unhappy with the situation and may decide to redirect the 19-year-old to a different club.
Echeverri, who joined Manchester City from River Plate in January 2024 in a deal worth around £12.5 million, has struggled for playing time in Germany. Despite his high potential, the Argentina Under-20 international has started only three matches across all competitions and has yet to complete a full 90 minutes for Bayer Leverkusen.
While Pep Guardiola remains an admirer of Echeverri’s raw talent, the City boss does not see him as part of the first-team setup at the Etihad just yet. The objective of the loan was to ensure he gained consistent senior-level experience — something Leverkusen, who share similar doubts about his readiness, have not been able to provide.
Brown emphasised that Echeverri was never expected to break into Manchester City’s first team immediately. However, at this stage of his development, regular minutes are crucial. A recall in January now appears likely, with City expected to explore a new loan destination that guarantees more meaningful involvement.
The situation is considered disappointing by all parties, as expectations were high when the youngster made the move to Europe. City’s priority now is to place Echeverri in an environment where he can develop faster and more consistently, keeping alive the long-term plan of integrating him into Guardiola’s squad in the future.
FAQ
Q: Why is Manchester City considering recalling Echeverri?
A: City are unhappy with his limited playing time at Bayer Leverkusen, as he has started only three games and hasn’t completed 90 minutes.
Q: Does Pep Guardiola rate Echeverri?
A: Yes, Guardiola highly rates him but believes he is not yet ready for first-team football at City.
Q: How much did Man City pay for Echeverri?
A: Manchester City signed him from River Plate for around £12.5 million in January 2024.
Q: What happens after the recall?
A: City are expected to send him on loan to another club where he will have a better chance of playing regularly.
Q: Why is Bayer Leverkusen not playing him?
A: Leverkusen reportedly share City’s view that he is not fully ready for consistent senior football.
Conclusion
Claudio Echeverri’s loan spell at Bayer Leverkusen has not unfolded as hoped, with limited minutes threatening his development trajectory. As a result, Manchester City are preparing to recall the highly rated midfielder and find a loan option that ensures the continuous growth he needs. With his talent widely acknowledged, a better-fitting club could help unlock the progress both City and Guardiola believe he is capable of achieving in the years ahead.
