Hansi Flick has reportedly prioritized the pursuit of Argentine sensation Claudio Echeverri, often dubbed the “Lionel Messi version” for Barcelona. The 17-year-old wonderkid, who recently declined a contract renewal with River Plate, has garnered immense attention for his extraordinary skills, goal-scoring ability, and standout performances during the Under-17 World Cup in Indonesia.
Nicknamed “Diablito,” Echeverri made global headlines after his stunning hat-trick against Brazil in the tournament. His flair, composure, and creativity on the ball have established him as one of football’s most promising young talents. Despite limited appearances for River Plate in 2023 under coach Martín Demichelis, Echeverri’s potential has caught the eye of top European scouts.
River Plate remains eager to extend Echeverri’s contract, which expires in December 2024, with a current release clause of €25 million. Club president Jorge Brito expressed confidence in reaching an agreement, noting that contract discussions were paused during the World Cup but would resume soon.
Manager Enzo Francescoli also stressed the importance of patience in nurturing the teenager’s development amidst growing interest from European giants.
Barcelona’s pursuit of Echeverri has intensified in recent weeks, with Spanish media reporting the club’s urgency to secure his signature.
The player has expressed admiration for the Catalan side, revealing in a pre-World Cup interview his dream of playing for Barcelona, inspired by Argentine legend Lionel Messi. This mutual interest has bolstered Barcelona’s efforts to bring him to Camp Nou.
Recently appointed Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is reportedly eager to integrate Echeverri into the club’s renowned developmental system. The opportunity to mentor such a prodigious talent fits seamlessly with Barcelona’s philosophy, making the prospect highly appealing. However, the potential transfer presents a challenge for River Plate, who risk losing one of their brightest stars for a fee that may not fully reflect his burgeoning talent.
To safeguard their investment, River Plate is working on a contract renewal that would increase Echeverri’s release clause to €30 million, ensuring a more accurate valuation if he departs. Despite this, the likelihood of an early exit remains significant, with Barcelona leading the race to sign him.
As negotiations unfold, the football world eagerly watches Claudio Echeverri, whose future hangs in the balance between continuing at River Plate and making the leap to European football with Barcelona.
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