Manchester City has made it official: Claudio Echeverri is heading to Bayer Leverkusen on loan until the end of the season. What really caught people’s eye was the fact there’s no buy clause in the deal. That’s a strong sign the English club isn’t even considering letting go of the 19-year-old Argentine midfielder. Borussia Dortmund had also pushed to bring him in, but since their offer included a purchase option, it was turned down without much hesitation.
El Diablito and the rise of a gem
The nickname “El Diablito” wasn’t invented by marketing teams, it came naturally. His talent showed up too early and too brightly for anyone to ignore. City signed him from River Plate in 2024 for £12.5 million, though he stayed in Argentina until the end of that year on loan. When he finally put on a City shirt, he didn’t hide. Three matches, one goal. And not just any goal, it was a free kick in the Club World Cup against Al Ain. These days it’s tough enough to score from a dead ball, let alone for a teenager just starting out.
But his real coming-out party was the U-17 World Cup in 2023. He ended the tournament as the second-highest scorer with five goals and grabbed the headlines with a hat trick in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Brazil in the quarterfinals. That single performance alone was enough to make clubs across Europe take notice. From then on, every move he made was tracked closely, the way it always is when a young Argentine talent bursts onto the scene.
Leverkusen as a springboard, not the final destination
For the next step in his career, Bayer Leverkusen looks like just the right place. With Erik ten Hag at the helm, the German side could be a strong fit for Echeverri, giving him a mix of real competition and genuine opportunity. He’ll get minutes that matter, in a team that competes at a high level, but without the crushing expectation of being decisive every week in Manchester.
The Bundesliga can be a testing ground, a place to toughen up and adapt to the pace. Playing under that intensity should give the young Argentine the experience he needs to return sharper and more complete. This loan isn’t about showcasing him, it’s about development. And the fact that City refused any kind of buy clause makes their intentions crystal clear.