In a stunning transfer coup, Bayer Leverkusen have secured a season-long loan deal for 19-year-old Argentine sensation Claudio Echeverri from Manchester City, outmaneuvering rivals Borussia Dortmund in the race for the talented playmaker. The agreement, finalized on August 19, 2025, marks a significant move for Leverkusen under new manager Erik ten Hag, as they aim to bolster their attacking options following the departure of star Florian Wirtz to Liverpool. With no buy option included, Leverkusen will cover Echeverri’s full salary and pay a loan fee, signaling their commitment to nurturing the young star known as “El Diablito” (Little Devil) for his electrifying style.
Echeverri’s journey to this moment has been nothing short of remarkable. Hailed as one of South America’s brightest prospects, the attacking midfielder joined Manchester City from River Plate in January 2024 for approximately £12.5 million, with add-ons. After returning to River Plate on loan for the remainder of that year, he arrived at the Etihad Stadium in early 2025, making a handful of appearances under Pep Guardiola. His debut came as a late substitute in the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace in May 2025, followed by a Premier League cameo against Fulham. His standout moment, however, was a dazzling free-kick goal in a 6-0 rout of Al-Ain at the FIFA Club World Cup, showcasing his flair and potential. “El Diablito will play under ten Hag,” a source close to the deal noted, emphasizing the excitement surrounding his move to Leverkusen.
Despite his promise, Echeverri faced stiff competition in Manchester City’s star-studded midfield, with new signings like Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki limiting his opportunities. A minor ankle injury during the Club World Cup further curtailed his playing time, prompting City to seek a loan move to accelerate his development. Leverkusen emerged as the ideal destination, offering a competitive environment in the Bundesliga and UEFA Champions League, where Echeverri can hone his skills. The club’s reputation for nurturing young talent, combined with ten Hag’s vision, made the move a perfect fit. “For City, the Leverkusen agreement represents a more suitable development pathway for Echeverri,” an insider remarked, highlighting the strategic intent behind the transfer.
Borussia Dortmund had been in pole position to sign Echeverri, submitting an offer for a loan with an option to buy, a model they successfully applied with Manchester City’s Yan Couto. However, City were adamant about excluding any purchase clause, valuing Echeverri as a cornerstone of their post-Guardiola era. AS Roma also entered the fray, proposing a loan with a €33 million mandatory buy clause, while Girona, part of the City Football Group, and Spanish clubs like Real Betis and Sevilla showed interest. Leverkusen’s straightforward loan proposal, without a buy option, ultimately won out, with the club finalizing a verbal agreement with Echeverri before sealing the deal with City. The young star was reportedly on his way to Germany for a medical on the evening of August 19, 2025, eager to begin his Bundesliga adventure.
Leverkusen’s squad has undergone significant changes this summer, with high-profile additions like Jarell Quansah, Malik Tillman, Mark Flekken, and Ibrahim Maza joining the ranks. Echeverri’s arrival is expected to fill the creative void left by Wirtz, pairing him with Tillman in an exciting attacking midfield duo. “Leverkusen officials emphasized the midfielder’s technical skills and potential, seeing him as a key addition to their squad for the upcoming Bundesliga campaign,” a club source stated. Fresh off a DFB-Pokal victory against Großaspach, Leverkusen are gearing up for their Bundesliga opener against Hoffenheim, with ten Hag hopeful that Echeverri’s flair will propel the team toward another title challenge after their historic 2023-24 championship and second-place finish last season.
Echeverri’s credentials speak for themselves. Nicknamed the “next Lionel Messi” in Argentina, he captained his nation to a runners-up finish at the Under-20 South American Championship, scoring six goals and providing three assists in nine games. His technical prowess, vision, and ability to deliver in clutch moments have drawn comparisons to Argentina’s footballing greats. At Leverkusen, he’ll have the chance to shine alongside veterans like Jonas Hofmann, with ten Hag’s attacking philosophy offering an ideal platform. “The Bundesliga’s reputation as a talent incubator offers Echeverri an ideal platform to grow,” a pundit noted, reflecting the optimism surrounding his move.
As Echeverri prepares to don Leverkusen’s colors, Manchester City fans will watch closely, knowing his long-term future remains at the Etihad. For now, the focus is on his development in Germany, where he aims to make an immediate impact. With the transfer window buzzing, Leverkusen’s savvy acquisition of “El Diablito” has sent a clear message: they’re building a squad to compete at the highest level, and Echeverri could be the spark to ignite their ambitions.
Leave a Reply