Claudio Echeverri Seals Loan Move To Bayer Leverkusen

Claudio Echeverri, a young Argentine playmaker, is joining Bayer Leverkusen on loan from Manchester City. He will spend the 2025-26 season in the Bundesliga. There is no option for Bayer to buy him in the deal.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Bayer Leverkusen finished talks with Manchester City for Claudio Echeverri. He is traveling to Germany for his medical exam now. Leverkusen will pay his full salary. There is no option for Bayer to buy him. Echeverri is nicknamed “El Diablito.” He turns 19 this year. He moved from River Plate to Manchester City earlier in 2025. Leverkusen acted quickly after Borussia Dortmund failed to reach a deal. Manchester City say Echeverri is important to them, and they will watch his progress during his loan.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Echeverri is a top young player from South America. He needed more playing time with limited minutes in Manchester. Leverkusen finished second in the Bundesliga last season and aims to improve on that campaign as they seek to challenge for the title. The club’s new coach is Erik ten Hag. They want more attacking options after missing out on the title by three points. Leverkusen also recently sold winger Nathan Tella, highlighting their need for depth in attack. Echeverri is seen as a potential solution to this need.

WHAT NEXT?

Echeverri will join Leverkusen before their first league game against Augsburg. Leverkusen are strong title challengers, having finished second in the Bundesliga last season, and they hope that Echeverri will help them win silverware. Manchester City have not given Leverkusen any option to buy, so he will be competing for a place in the starting eleven against tough competition from older, more established players. Leverkusen face Hoffenheim next, a team that finished close to relegation last season, making Leverkusen the favorites in the upcoming match.