Man City transfer news: Major Claudio Echeverri update as exit to Europa League club takes 'big step forward'

Manchester City are reportedly open to allowing Claudio Echeverri to join Benfica on a permanent basis.

While there have been high hopes for the Argentine starlet since he agreed to move to the Etihad Stadium in January 2024, he has failed to make the permanent breakthrough into the first team.

Just three appearances have been made for Man City, one of them coming in the defeat to Crystal Palace in the 2024-25 FA Cup final.

The playmaker then made 28 outings across loan stints at Bayer Leverkusen and Girona last season without enhancing his reputation.

Despite having the chance of a fresh start under new boss Enzo Maresca, the decision has seemingly been made that the 20-year-old does not feature in Man City's plans.

© Iconsport / Alamy/Cody Froggatt

Man City give green light to Echeverri, Benfica transfer

As per Maisfutebol, negotiations over a transfer to Benfica have taken a big step forward.

A season-long loan has been lined up for the former River Plate star, with a potential fee also inserted into an agreement.

Benfica will allegedly have the chance to sign Echeverri on a permanent basis for a fee between €10m (£8.57m) and €15m (£12.85m).

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claims that the salary will be 100% covered by Benfica, who will have the option to buy. It is not specified whether that is an obligation.

Man City will likely insist on a sell-on fee also being included.

© Imago

Should Man City have had more patience with Echeverri?

The fact that Echeverri made a high-profile debut in an FA Cup final and has been given just two more chances by Pep Guardiola and Maresca feels somewhat strange.

He has long been touted as one of the future stars of the Argentina national team, and it appeared to make sense for Man City to hand him a full season of English football before making a final decision.

Instead, Man City and Echeverri are happy for a move to Benfica to materialise, the player likely to be viewed as someone who can become an important member of Marco Silva's squad.