Manchester City could now sell Claudio Echeverri permanently to Benfica after negotiations over the Argentine midfielder took a significant step forward on Deadline Day.
A season-long loan with an option to buy had initially been the most likely solution, but discussions between the clubs have progressed rapidly.
According to Maisfutebol, Benfica are now negotiating either a loan with an obligation to buy or an immediate permanent transfer, with a package worth between €10million and €15m under discussion.
Benfica advance in Echeverri negotiations
Echeverri's future has changed considerably during the final days of the transfer window.
City had previously considered keeping the 20-year-old in Enzo Maresca's squad before deciding another move would be more beneficial for his development.
Benfica subsequently emerged as the leading destination, with the Portuguese club initially working towards a straightforward season-long loan containing an option to buy.
That structure is no longer guaranteed.
Maisfutebol reports negotiations have advanced and Benfica are now close to completing an agreement with City.
The purchase option could become an obligation, while the clubs are also discussing removing the loan element entirely and completing a permanent transfer immediately.
€10-15m package under discussion
The financial terms being discussed are particularly interesting given City's original investment in Echeverri.
Benfica are reportedly negotiating a deal worth between €10m (£8.6m) and €15m (£12.9m) with the City Football Group.
City would also retain a percentage of the Argentine's rights under the proposed agreement, ensuring they could benefit financially from his future development.
That clause could become important because City originally paid River Plate around €18.5m (£15.9m) to secure Echeverri in 2023.
Accepting the reported Benfica package would therefore mean recovering less through the initial transfer fee than they originally committed to signing him.
A retained percentage could compensate for that if Echeverri develops successfully in Portugal and Benfica eventually sell him for a considerably larger amount.
Permanent exit would end difficult City spell
Echeverri has struggled to establish himself since moving to Europe.
Loan spells with Bayer Leverkusen and Girona failed to provide the consistent first-team football City had hoped for, with the Argentine making 17 appearances but only five starts during his spell in Spain.
He scored once and registered one assist for Girona.
Another loan had appeared the logical next step, particularly with Benfica able to offer a high-level environment and European football.
The latest negotiations suggest City may instead be prepared to relinquish control of the player permanently, provided they retain a financial interest in his future.
For Echeverri, Benfica would offer the opportunity to settle at one club and compete for regular minutes rather than embarking on a third successive temporary move.
Key Points
- Benfica have advanced negotiations with Manchester City for Claudio Echeverri.
- A loan with an option to buy could become an obligation or an immediate permanent transfer.
- The clubs are discussing a package worth €10m to €15m.
- City are expected to retain a percentage of Echeverri's rights.
- City originally committed around €18.5m to sign the Argentine from River Plate.
What’s Next?
Benfica and City are now working through the final details, with the exact structure of the transfer still to be determined.
Whether completed immediately or through a loan containing an obligation to buy, negotiations are increasingly pointing towards Echeverri leaving Manchester City permanently rather than simply spending another season away.
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