When Will Claudio Echeverri Make His Manchester City Debut?

Manchester City could hand Claudio Echeverri his full first-team debut as soon as this weekend, it has been revealed.

The Argentine playmaker is set to join as the fifth new signing for the Premier League champions this year, following the club’s expenditure of approximately £175 million on four new players during the recent January transfer window.

Echeverri was a deal completed over 12 months ago in the winter market of 2024, while Manchester City and River Plate agreed for the youngster to remain with the South American giants for a further year.

However, upon leaving River Plate for the Etihad Stadium, City bosses then agreed to an extended period away from the club as Claudio Echeverri captained the Argentina Under-20 side at the South American Championships.

His outstanding performances resulted in numerous goals and assists for his country. Argentina narrowly finished second in the competition to Brazil’s Under-20 team, whom Echeverri and his teammates defeated 6-0 on the tournament’s opening night.

Having now traveled to England with his girlfriend this week, dates have been established for when the Premier League champions can expect to welcome their newest rising star into the squad. Additionally, a timeline for his debut has also been determined.

According to the information of the Manchester Evening News’ Simon Bajkowski, Claudio Echeverri will train with his new Manchester City teammates for the first time on Thursday.

It is further detailed that, all being well, Echeverri could then be available for selection by manager Pep Guardiola for Saturday’s FA Cup fifth-round tie against Championship side Plymouth Argyle.

The Manchester City manager recently indicated in a press conference that Echeverri is being regarded as a long-term investment rather than a key player for the current season.

Guardiola told reporters earlier this week, “He’s here soon.

“He’s going to start training and mainly will be for the end of the season, maybe the World Cup. And as soon as possible, he arrives, and he can adapt quickly for the future.”

It is uncertain what Manchester City’s plans for Echeverri will be after the current season, and whether the club believes he will have a role in the next campaign.

However, it is expected that he will be integrated without excessive pressure or responsibility placed on him.

The expectation is Pep Guardiola and his staff will make an assessment of the player during the final weeks and months of the season, plus the Club World Cup in the United States before it is decided whether a loan exit is more appropriate to settle into European football.