New detail emerges in Echeverri saga as Man City consider January recall

The Claudio Echeverri situation has taken another unexpected twist, with River Plate now formally clearing a legal hurdle that could open the door for the midfielder’s return in January. According to journalist Germán García Grova, River sought specialist guidance to determine whether Echeverri could represent three clubs in a single season — and the answer they received was yes.

The clarification hinges on a key technicality: Argentina’s domestic season resets in January, which means the usual FIFA restriction does not apply in the same way it does in Europe. In other words, a move back to Núñez is legally feasible if Manchester City and Bayer Leverkusen agree to terminate the current loan.

The timing is significant. Echeverri, who joined Leverkusen last summer as part of City’s long-term development plan, is understood to be pushing for a return to Argentina after struggling for rhythm in Germany. Leverkusen, who have used him sparingly, are open to ending the agreement. Yet Manchester City remain torn — their preference is still for a European pathway that sharpens his tactical maturity before any extended spell in South America.

García Grova reports that internal discussions at River have intensified, with Echeverri now identified as the club’s “most advanced” target for the January window. The club believe the midfielder could immediately elevate their squad and restore momentum to a stalled campaign.

Manchester City, however, see this stage of his development differently. Having followed City’s youth-loan strategy across multiple seasons, the club typically prefer a structured development arc: South America → stepping-stone Europe → Premier League consideration. Although some Argentinian outlets claim City are warming to the idea of sending him back, other indications suggest the Premier League champions will only do so if no suitable European project emerges.

A nuance here: City’s hesitation is less about River and more about maintaining a controlled progression for a player viewed internally as a long-term first-team asset.

In our view, Manchester City are approaching a pivotal decision. The legal “green light” does not guarantee a River return, but it removes the biggest barrier. While some believe a South American reset would benefit Echeverri emotionally, it’s worth questioning whether breaking the European pathway so early risks slowing his adaptation to top-level tactical demands.

That said, the player’s growing frustration cannot be ignored. Young talents rarely develop without consistent usage, and Echeverri’s current situation at Leverkusen provides neither security nor opportunity. The next step must balance safeguarding his long-term ceiling with protecting his present development.

Manchester City will review Echeverri’s status ahead of the January window, with discussions expected to accelerate in the coming weeks. Leverkusen remain open to ending the loan, River Plate are fully prepared to move, and the player is pushing for clarity. Ultimately, City must decide whether to keep him in Europe or allow a temporary return home — a choice that will shape the next stage of one of Argentina’s brightest talents.

👉 Should Manchester City loan Echeverri back to River Plate, or insist on another European move to accelerate his development?