Maresca's Firm Stance on Echeverri Points to a Leap of Faith
There is a quiet logic to Enzo Maresca's decision to keep Claudio Echeverri in his squad this season. After a loan spell that took him from Leverkusen to Girona and back, the Argentine finally appears to have found a manager willing to back him.
According to a report from Soy Del Millo, Maresca has taken a 'firm stance' on the 20-year-old, intending to give him minutes at the Etihad Stadium this term. That effectively rules out another loan move, at least for now.
It is a notable shift for a player who has spent much of his time since arriving from River Plate in January 2025 navigating the complexities of City's loan network. After starring in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Echeverri defied City's counsel over a loan to Girona and instead pushed for a move to Bayer Leverkusen. It did not go well. A frustrating first half of the season in Germany finally persuaded him to heed the club's instructions, and he joined Girona on a six-month loan in January.
Now back in Manchester, having completed that spell alongside Vitor Reis, Echeverri has evidently impressed Maresca during pre-season. The Italian has observed him closely and concluded that the youngster is worth a place in the squad.
A Midfield in Transition
The timing is no accident. City are in the market for at least two midfield additions following the departures of Rodri to Barcelona and Tijjani Reijnders to Al Qadsiah. The club have also told Nico Gonzalez he is free to leave, despite the 24-year-old publicly stating his desire to stay, with Newcastle United evaluating a move before the September 1 deadline.
With Kevin De Bruyne having been allowed to leave at the end of the 2024/25 season, City arguably lacked goals from midfield last term. Echeverri, who can play on either wing, poses a threat from the middle of the park. Given the inflated prices being quoted by selling clubs in the final ten days of the window, there is merit in taking a leap of faith in the talented Argentine.
City next face Crystal Palace away on Friday night, having opened their Premier League campaign with a win over Bournemouth on Sunday. Whether Echeverri features remains to be seen, but Maresca's stance suggests he will get his chance sooner rather than later.