Benfica manager Marco Silva has praised Manchester City loanee Claudio Echeverri but insists the Portuguese club will not rush into a decision over his permanent future.
The 20-year-old Argentine joined Benfica in September after struggling for regular opportunities at City under Enzo Maresca.
Benfica hold an option to buy the attacking midfielder, reportedly worth €21 million, although Silva wants more time to assess his development.
Marco Silva explains Benfica's Echeverri plans
Speaking ahead of Benfica's league meeting with Santa Clara, Silva confirmed that the club had deliberately targeted a player with Echeverri's attacking qualities.
"He's got plenty of quality. If he didn't, we wouldn't have made that move," Silva said, according to Portuguese newspaper A Bola.
The Benfica manager explained that he had asked the club's hierarchy to recruit an attacking midfielder with Echeverri's profile.
However, Silva made clear that the decision to activate the purchase option would not be based on a handful of performances.
He believes the Argentine still has considerable room for improvement and needs regular training and opportunities to develop.
Benfica are pleased with his progress but intend to make their decision within the agreed contractual deadlines rather than rushing into a substantial investment.
Manchester City loanee makes promising start
Echeverri has registered two assists in his first four Benfica appearances, with his most significant contribution coming during the 4–1 Europa League victory over Omonia.
The Argentine made his first start for the club in Cyprus and played a role in two of Benfica's goals.
His performance strengthened the case for a permanent move, although Silva is determined to assess his consistency over a longer period.
Echeverri has previously endured difficult loan spells at Bayer Leverkusen and Girona after finding opportunities limited at Manchester City.
He recently admitted that he would welcome the possibility of staying in Portugal.
"It would be wonderful," he said when discussing a longer stay at Benfica.
Benfica face significant transfer decision
Manchester City signed Echeverri from River Plate in January 2024 before allowing him to continue his development in Argentina.
The midfielder has since struggled to establish himself in England, making a permanent move to Benfica an increasingly interesting possibility.
According to A Bola, Benfica's purchase option is worth €21 million, while City reportedly retain a €50m buy-back clause.
Those terms could make the deal attractive for both clubs, although Benfica have not confirmed that they intend to activate the option.
The Portuguese side continued their strong recent form with a 2–1 victory over Santa Clara on Monday, despite Echeverri not featuring.
Key Points
- Silva has praised Echeverri but will not rush a permanent-transfer decision.
- Benfica reportedly hold a €21m purchase option.
- City are also reported to have a €50m buy-back clause.
- Echeverri has contributed two assists in four appearances.
- The Argentine has expressed interest in remaining at Benfica.
What's Next?
Benfica host Gil Vicente in the Portuguese League Cup quarter-finals on Thursday, 29 October.
Echeverri will hope to earn further opportunities as Silva continues assessing whether the club should activate its purchase option later in the season.
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