Claudio Echeverri joins Benfica on season-long loan from Manchester City

Claudio Echeverri has joined Benfica from Manchester City on a season-long loan, with the Argentina midfielder set to wear the number 30 shirt.

The 20-year-old signed for Manchester City in January 2024 but remained with his former club River Plate until the following year. He left Buenos Aires after an impressive South American Under-20 Championship campaign, scoring six goals and helping Argentina reach the final.

Echeverri made his first appearance for Manchester City as a second-half substitute in the 2025 FA Cup final. The teenager came close to scoring an equaliser, but City ultimately lost to Crystal Palace.

He was introduced from the bench again the following week, appearing in Manchester City’s final Premier League match of the season against Fulham.

Echeverri then scored an excellent free-kick during City’s victory over Al Ain at the FIFA Club World Cup that summer. However, an injury ruled him out of the remainder of the competition.

Last season, Echeverri initially joined German club Bayer Leverkusen on loan before moving to Spanish side Girona in January.

He will now continue his development at Benfica, where he is expected to spend the forthcoming campaign on loan from Manchester City.