3
Fabrizio Romano reports that Bayer Leverkusen are in talks to sign Manchester City attacking midfielder Claudio Echeverri.
Sky Germany reports that the deal will be a straight loan, without an option to buy. Borussia Dortmund had also shown interest in the 19-year-old and submitted an offer of a loan with an option to buy, but Leverkusen were able to agree a deal with City.
At Leverkusen, Echeverri will likely be the player who will replace Florian Wirtz. The 19-year-old is highly rated, but struggled for game time after joining City from River Plate earlier this year. Echeverri made his debut in the FA Cup final loss to Crystal Palace.
This means Leverkusen’s attacking options are now Malik Tillman, Ibrahim Maza and Jonas Hofmann in the positions behind the striker. Whether this impacts Leverkusen’s move for Eliesse Ben Seghir is yet to be seen.
From a personal perspective, Leverkusen will also be a good place for Echeverri to settle in Germany. Die Werkself have a large Spanish-speaking contingent with compatriots Exequiel Palacios and Alejo Sarco alongside Ecuadorian Piero Hincapie and Spaniards Alejandro Grimaldo and Aleix Garcia.
GGFN | Jack Meenan
