PEP GUARDIOLA is preparing to add the ‘new Lionel Messi’ to Manchester City’s struggling squad next month.
The 18-year-old Argentine sensation Claudio Echeverri is about to join from River Plate, after a £12 million deal was secured a year prior.
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City previously allowed him to stay in Argentina for an additional season while River Plate sought to retain him for an extended duration.
However, manager Guardiola has decided to bring the attacking midfielder into the squad for the second half of the season.
As a result, Echeverri will arrive in England in the new year to join the first team for the remainder of the season.
He is expected to be ready to contribute right away, although he might need some time to acclimatize to his new environment.
City has also considered sending the young talent to one of their affiliate clubs for European experience.
This option remains viable for the summer if he is deemed not yet prepared to compete for a spot in Pep’s squad.
Meanwhile, the Etihad manager indicated this past weekend that he is facing a severe shortage of options due to various injuries.
Echeverri will have plenty of chances to prove that he can adapt to the team’s style.
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Last winter, the reigning Premier League champions successfully secured the signing of the Argentina Under-17s captain amidst fierce global competition.
His playing style and role have been likened to Argentina’s World Cup-winning captain and Barcelona icon Messi, who Guardiola helped elevate to superstardom during his time at the Spanish club.
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Echeverri made his debut with River’s first team 18 months ago and has been a consistent presence since.
His signing comes after the conclusion of hearings concerning 130 allegations of Financial Fair Play violations against City by the Premier League.
A three-member panel that has been reviewing the evidence for the past three months will now evaluate the findings before issuing a report.
The earliest conclusion is expected in the spring, though there are concerns it may extend into the following season.
The hearings commenced on September 16 at the International Dispute Resolution Centre in London, originally projected to last ten weeks.
This timeline has been extended by about two weeks, but it is understood that closing arguments were presented at the end of last week.
City, supported by Abu Dhabi, is also accused of non-cooperation with the investigation, which began in 2018 regarding their alleged FFP breaches.
If found guilty, they could face significant point deductions which might threaten their Premier League status.
Nevertheless, both sides will have the right to appeal any verdict if they find it unsatisfactory, indicating that additional months may elapse before any disciplinary measures are implemented.
What will become of Man City?
MAN CITY began the season as favorites to clinch the Premier League title again – yet a considerable challenge is looming that could jeopardize the Etihad giants.
Sunsport’s MARTIN LIPTON explores the possible outcomes in the coming months with Head of Sport SHAUN CUSTIS…
Custis: So, the critical question – will there be a resolution this season?
Lipton: Yes…. probably! It will take at least a month to sift through the evidence. Thus, I anticipate a decision around March or April. That’s where things get intricate.
Custis: What’s the complexity in that?
Lipton: If the ruling favors City, that will conclude the matter. They will face no repercussions.
However, if City is found guilty, the consequences will be extraordinary in terms of penalties imposed by the Premier League.
I suspect that if they are deemed guilty, it could lead to their expulsion from the league or severe point deductions that would hinder their chances of competing in the Premier League next season.
Check out the full discussion on Man City’s future.
