Bayer Leverkusen in Advanced Talks for Manchester City’s Claudio Echeverri

Bayer Leverkusen is talking to Manchester City about signing young Argentine midfielder Claudio Echeverri. The German club wants to bring the 19-year-old in on loan before the new Bundesliga season starts.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Bayer Leverkusen officially started negotiations to sign Claudio Echeverri on loan. Echeverri spent last season on loan at River Plate. Then he returned to City and made his Premier League debut. He also played in the FA Cup final and scored in the FIFA Club World Cup group stage. Both clubs and Echeverri’s representatives are discussing a deal before the transfer window closes. Leverkusen wants to add creativity to their midfield and sees Echeverri as an important target.

LEVERKUSEN’S PLANS AND ECHEVERRI’S RISE

Bayer Leverkusen finished second in the Bundesliga last season, thirteen points behind champions Bayern Munich. Leverkusen’s strong domestic campaign ensured a spot in the UEFA Champions League. They start the new season against Hoffenheim, who finished sixteenth last year. Leverkusen wants to strengthen their squad to compete with Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, who have both added new players this summer. Echeverri’s arrival would boost attacking options for Erik ten Hag’s team. The young Argentine had a great year, scoring goals for River Plate and Manchester City, and shining for Argentina’s youth teams.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR ECHEVERRI AND LEVERKUSEN?

If Leverkusen secures Echeverri, he is expected to compete for regular minutes in the Bundesliga and Champions League. Manchester City is considering offers from multiple teams, including Borussia Dortmund, who also submitted a loan bid for Echeverri. Leverkusen’s season opener is against Hoffenheim, while City have their 2nd Premier League match at home against Tottenham after winning the league opener at Wolves. Leverkusen aims to build on its strong Bundesliga performance after finishing second in the last season. Adding Echeverri could make Leverkusen a surprise contender in the title race and provide Echeverri more first-team opportunities at the top level.