FC Barcelona Initiate Talks With the ‘Next Lionel Messi’, Claudio Echeverri; Ready to Pay Release Clause: Reports

With the transfer window approaching, the big soccer clubs are going for the fight now. After youngsters like Vitor Roque, a new South American sensation, Claudio Echeverri, popularly recognized as the next ‘Lionel Messi‘, is on FC Barcelona’s wish list. The player had a phenomenal U17 World Cup and is now reportedly inclined to sign a contract with FC Barcelona.

The star already plays for River Plate in Argentina and has been an exceptional performer for his U17 national team too. The player scored 5 goals in the U-17 South American Championship 2023 being its second-highest scorer after teammate, Agustín Ruberto.

FC Barcelona in talks to sign Claudio Echeverri

Echeverri has already started for River Plate in the Argentine Primera Division. But the Catalan club will be demanded a release clause of $27.5 million to get the star. According to further reports, Barcelona could be ready to pay even more than what’s demanded.

According to reports, the chances of him joining are high, as Xavi is very interested. A journalist, Gustavo Yarroch says, “Xavi Hernandez wants Claudio Echeverri and the possibility of him leaving for Barcelona is serious. They want to pay an amount higher than the clause but in installments.” After losing its young sensation Pablo Gavi, Barcelona is desperate to sign young legs, just like other teams. And who could be a better player than Echeverri?

The former club of Lionel Messi has been in mixed form this season. Even though they have players like Robert Lewandowski and Joao Felix, the team is unable to attack as much as they want, which are seen in their results.

The player is under the radar of many top clubs like Real Madrid, Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain, and the current team under discussion. The star has a contract at River Plate till 2024, and the club also wants to extend it for another two years. But what is making the star so highly valued in the market?

Claudio Echeverri: The next Lionel Messi for Barcelona?

Claudio Echeverri is known for his high vision and technical ability to deceive opponents just like La Pulga. The player will be a big addition to the Blaugrana, as the team seems to be lacking a bit on the creative front. He had gained everyone’s attention in the Under 17 World Cup by scoring a hat trick against Brazil.

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Even though Manchester City was considered to be the favorite to sign the star, Barcelona looks to be in a much better situation. The player whose icon was Lionel Messi always wanted to go to Camp Nou for his future. Looks like both parties will be happy if the deal comes to reality.

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