Barcelona is setting its sights on River Plate midfielder Claudio Echeverri, a highly talented 17-year-old player. However, the Catalan club is not without rivals in their pursuit of the young star. Chelsea, Manchester City, and Paris Saint-Germain are also vying for the opportunity to secure Echeverri’s signature. Despite the fierce competition, Echeverri has made it clear that his preference is to join Barcelona. In the lead up to the under-17 World Cup in November, he expressed his admiration for Lionel Messi and his desire to play alongside him.
Barcelona’s own coach, Xavi Hernández, has acknowledged Echeverri’s talent, confirming that the young midfielder is on his radar. During a news conference, Xavi commended Echeverri for his skills and game-changing abilities, specifically highlighting his impressive hat-trick performance against Brazil in the U17 World Cup. However, Xavi defers the scouting responsibility to the club’s dedicated department.
Although Barcelona is keen on acquiring Echeverri, the club faces financial obstacles. The midfielder has a release clause set at approximately €25 million ($27.3 million) at River Plate. However, Barcelona intends to negotiate a payment arrangement in various installments, recognizing their delicate financial situation. While the terms are yet to be finalized, Barcelona remains hopeful that a mutually beneficial agreement can be reached.
Echeverri cemented his potential during the U17 World Cup held in Indonesia last month. Despite Barcelona’s financial limitations preventing them from having scouts present at the tournament, they were well aware of the budding talent. River Plate handed Echeverri his debut in June, and he made an immediate impact, providing an assist in a 3-1 victory over Instituto. Since then, he has made a total of four appearances in the Argentine Primera División, showcasing his sensational dribbling skills and magnificent quality, according to a Barcelona source.
Echeverri is just one part of Barcelona’s grand strategy to recruit some of the best young talents worldwide. In addition to pursuing the River Plate midfielder, Barcelona is set to welcome Athlético Panaraense striker Vitor Roque to the club in January. This deal is worth an initial €30 million, potentially rising to €61 million with add-ons. Furthermore, the Catalan club is diligently tracking the progress of Lucas Bergvall, a young midfielder playing for Djurgarden in his native Sweden. At 17 years old, Bergvall is seen as one of several promising midfielders capable of enhancing the team’s long-term prospects.
Barcelona’s ongoing pursuit of Claudio Echeverri is emblematic of the club’s unwavering commitment to securing top talent from around the world. With formidable competitors like Chelsea, Manchester City, and Paris Saint-Germain also vying for Echeverri’s services, Barcelona must navigate a challenging landscape. However, armed with Xavi Hernández’s recognition of Echeverri’s talent and a meticulous scouting department, Barcelona remains determined to secure the young midfielder’s future. As negotiations unfold, Barcelona hopes to overcome their financial limitations and emerge as the triumphant destination for Claudio Echeverri’s promising career.