Hansi Flick is reportedly keen on securing the signing of Argentine prodigy Claudio Echeverri, who is being hailed as the “Lionel Messi version” of Barcelona.
Echeverri, who recently declined to renew his contract with River Plate, has become the subject of widespread attention due to his impressive skills, goal-scoring abilities, and standout performances at the Under-17 World Cup in Indonesia.
Known as “Diablito,” Echeverri made global headlines with his remarkable display at the World Cup, including a stunning hat-trick against Brazil. His flair, creativity, and composure on the ball have made him one of the most exciting young talents in football.
Although he had limited playing time at River Plate in 2023 under coach Martín Demichelis, the 17-year-old has already showcased flashes of his immense potential, drawing the attention of scouts across Europe.
River Plate’s management has expressed a strong desire to extend Echeverri’s contract, which is set to expire in December 2024, with a current release clause of €25 million. Club president Jorge Brito remains optimistic about reaching an agreement soon, noting that discussions were paused during the World Cup but will soon resume.
Meanwhile, manager Enzo Francescoli has emphasized the importance of patience in Echeverri’s development, even as major European clubs increase their interest.
Barcelona’s pursuit of Echeverri has gained momentum recently, with Spanish media reporting the club’s intention to fast-track a deal for the talented playmaker.
This interest aligns with Echeverri’s own admiration for Barcelona. In an interview before the World Cup, the Chaco native revealed his dream of playing for the club, citing Lionel Messi as a major influence on his footballing ambitions.
Hansi Flick, who was recently appointed to lead Barcelona’s next phase, is reportedly eager to bring Echeverri to Camp Nou. The chance to develop such a promising talent within Barcelona’s renowned youth system presents an exciting opportunity for the club.
However, this potential transfer presents challenges for River Plate, as they risk losing one of their brightest stars for a fee that might not fully reflect his value or future potential.
As negotiations continue, River Plate is working to secure a contract renewal that would increase Echeverri’s release clause to €30 million. The club is determined to protect its investment and ensure that any departure matches the player’s true market value.
Nevertheless, the possibility of an early exit for Echeverri remains, with Barcelona currently leading the race to sign one of the most promising young talents in world football.
For now, the football world is watching closely as Claudio Echeverri’s future hangs in the balance, caught between his current situation at River Plate and the allure of a move to one of Europe’s footballing giants.
