Sergio Aguero Claims Claudio Echeverri Will Face an ‘Uphill Battle’ As Manchester City Officially Signs Him for $15.9M

Manchester City has officially completed the transfer of 18-year-old Claudio Echeverri from River Plate in an agreement summing up to $15.9 million. Esteemed club legend Sergio Aguero also weighed in on this acquisition by lauding the exceptional prowess Echeverri possesses. However, he concurrently acknowledges that for ‘the next Lionel Messi‘, considerable challenges exist ahead after his signing.

In terms of the contract details, the Sky Blues have secured Echeverri on a deal that will keep him at the club until 2028. Nevertheless, the Argentine midfielder will remain at River Plate for the entirety of this year before transferring to the Etihad Stadium in January 2025. And Aguero spoke highly about the latest recruit. 

Sergio Aguero talks highly of Manchester City’s newest signing

In a recent conversation with Stake, Sergio Aguero shared his insights about Manchester City’s newest recruit and his fellow countryman. Singing praises for the 18-year-old wunderkind, the 35-year-old stated, “Lots of quality and potential. Saw him play the U-17 World Cup and enjoyed his style.” Drawing on his journey from an Argentine club to Europe, the Premier League legend advised, “He can use the year he has ahead at River Plate to get used to being part of the Senior squad, then he’ll have to fight the uphill battle that is adapting to European football.”

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Notwithstanding, Sergio stands confident in his belief that the young prodigy has the talent required to “become a top-flight player.” Recently turning 18, Claudio Echeverri is yet green behind the ears, with only six appearances under River Plate’s banner at the senior level. However, one cannot dismiss his ability easily.

The ‘next Lionel Messi’? What makes Claudio Echeverri so special?

Claudio Echeverri’s exceptional dribbling and goal-scoring prowess has garnered significant comparisons to Lionel Messi. The teenager made quite impressive strides at the youth level and demonstrated unusual skill while playing for Argentina’s U-17 team, where during their span of 22 matches, he scored a remarkable total of 13 goals, vastly improving their prospects along the way.

Consequently, it led to a selection for Argentina’s U23 squad set to compete in the CONMEBOL Pre-Olympic tournament. Undeniably, Echeverri’s recruitment at Manchester City indicates intrigue and grand possibilities.

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What are your thoughts on this signing? Let us know in the comments.