‘It’s a shame’ – Argentina criticise Manchester City over Claudio Echeverri pathway

Manchester City’s handling of Claudio Echeverri’s early European career has drawn sharp criticism in Argentina following confirmation of the teenager’s loan move to Girona.

While the switch to Girona was quickly finalised and widely seen as logical, the reaction back home has focused less on the destination and more on the route that led Echeverri there. Rather than relief, the move has reignited debate over City’s management of the highly-rated midfielder since his arrival from River Plate.

One of the most outspoken responses came from Argentine journalist Nadir Ghazal, who questioned the coherence of Echeverri’s trajectory since joining Manchester City.

“Ten months ago he was being presented at Manchester City,” Ghazal said.
“Today he is announced at what will be his third European club, with a progression of teams that looks increasingly devalued.”

Ghazal was particularly scathing about the guidance around the player.

“If he remains poorly surrounded and poorly advised, he will keep spinning without coherence, like a fool. It’s a shame,” he added.

Similar criticism was aired live on TyC Sports, where another Argentine journalist argued the solution had been obvious from the start.

“It was always very clear that Echeverri needed a loan at Girona,” he said.

The frustration centred on City’s interim handling of the player.

“City ‘prepared’ him for six months to use him for ten minutes in an FA Cup final and to give him a few minutes at the Club World Cup.”

The journalist also highlighted a key missed opportunity in Echeverri’s development.

“On top of all that, he missed the Under-20 World Cup because Leverkusen refused to release him.”

From Spain, criticism has followed a similar line. Writing in Marca, Rodrigo González Pascual questioned City’s earlier decision-making.

“It was hard to understand why City, with the structure they have to keep him under control, sent him to Leverkusen,” he wrote.

He argued that move had consequences for Echeverri’s rhythm and confidence.

“It meant bringing forward a process that has cost him six months, plus the lack of match rhythm he has carried since February.”

González Pascual also warned that the new challenge will not be straightforward.

“Echeverri now goes to Girona with the burden of a relegation fight.”

Across Argentina, the consensus appears clear. Girona is viewed as the correct environment for Echeverri to gain continuity, minutes and stability — but many believe the decision has come too late.

For City, the hope is that this loan finally provides the structure and regular football Echeverri has lacked since leaving River Plate.

Whether this move proves to be a reset or merely another stop in an unsettled pathway remains to be seen.

Echeverri now faces the challenge of establishing himself quickly at Girona in a demanding La Liga environment, potentially amid a relegation battle. Regular minutes will be crucial if he is to rebuild momentum and justify City’s long-term investment.

For Manchester City, scrutiny will remain on whether this loan finally offers the continuity the player needs — or whether further course correction will be required.

Has Manchester City mismanaged Echeverri’s early European pathway — or is this the reset he needed?