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PEP GUARDIOLA is preparing to bring the ‘new Lionel Messi’ into Manchester City’s underperforming squad next month.
The 18-year-old Argentine prodigy Claudio Echeverri will arrive from River Plate, following a £12 million transfer deal secured a year prior.
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City previously permitted him to remain in Argentina for an extra season as the South American club attempted to retain him for a longer duration.
Nevertheless, coach Guardiola has opted to field the attacking midfielder in the second half of the campaign.
Thus, Echeverri will arrive in England in the new year to train with the first team for the remainder of the season.
He will be set to make an immediate impact, although he may need some time to adjust to his new surroundings.
City had also considered sending the young player to one of their sister clubs to gain European experience.
This option remains on the table for the summer if he is considered not ready to vie for a role in Pep’s squad.
Meanwhile, the Etihad manager acknowledged this past weekend that he is contending with a significant lack of options due to several injuries.
Echeverri will be afforded every opportunity to demonstrate he can integrate into the team’s structure.
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Last winter, the reigning Premier League champions triumphed over global competition to seal the signing of the captain of the Argentina Under-17 team.
His style of play has drawn parallels to Argentina’s World Cup-winning captain and Barcelona legend Messi, whom Guardiola helped cultivate into a superstar during his tenure at the Spanish club.
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Echeverri made his debut for River’s first team 18 months ago and has been a consistent presence since then.
His arrival follows the conclusion of hearings concerning the 130 allegations of Financial Fair Play violations against City by the Premier League.
A three-member panel, which has been scrutinizing the evidence for the past three months, will now assess the findings before generating a report.
The earliest a verdict is expected is in the spring, although there are concerns it may extend into the next season.
The hearings began on September 16 at the International Dispute Resolution Centre in London and were initially projected to last ten weeks.
This timeline has slipped by roughly two weeks, but it’s understood that closing statements were submitted at the end of last week.
City, owned by Abu Dhabi, is also accused of not cooperating with the investigation, which started in 2018, regarding their alleged FFP infractions.
If they are found guilty, they could face considerable point deductions, potentially leading to relegation.
However, both parties will have the right to appeal any ruling if they find it unsatisfactory, suggesting that further months may pass before any penalties are enforced.
What will happen to Man City?
MAN CITY began the season as the favorites to secure the Premier League title once again – but there’s a significant issue on the horizon that could jeopardize the Etihad giants.
Sunsport’s MARTIN LIPTON examines the potential scenarios in the upcoming months with Head of Sport SHAUN CUSTIS…
Custis: So, the key question – will there be a resolution this season?
Lipton: Yes…. likely! It will take at least a month to sift through the evidence. Therefore, I anticipate a decision around March or April. That’s when things get complicated.
Custis: What’s the complication there?
Lipton: If the decision favors City, then that’s the end of it. They will face no penalties.
However, if City is found guilty, the repercussions will be unprecedented in terms of sanctions imposed by the Premier League.
I suspect that if they are found guilty, it could result in their expulsion from the league or severe point deductions that would hinder their ability to compete in the Premier League next season.
Check out the full discussion on Man City’s future.
