
PEP GUARDIOLA is ready to bring the ‘new Lionel Messi’ into Manchester City’s struggling squad next month.
The 18-year-old Argentine talent Claudio Echeverri is on the verge of joining from River Plate, following a £12 million deal that was finalized a year ago.
City allowed him to remain in Argentina for an extra season while the South American side wanted to keep him longer.
However, manager Guardiola has decided to bring the attacking midfielder into the squad for the season’s latter stages.
As a result, Echeverri will arrive in England in the new year to join the first team for the rest of the campaign.
He will be prepared to contribute immediately, although some adjustment to his new environment may be necessary.
City is also contemplating sending the young star to one of their sister clubs for European exposure.
This option remains open for the summer if he is evaluated as not fully ready to compete for a position in Pep’s squad.
Meanwhile, the Etihad manager mentioned this past weekend that he is facing a significant lack of player availability due to various injuries.
Echeverri will have plenty of chances to demonstrate that he can adjust to the team’s style.
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Last winter, the reigning Premier League champions successfully acquired the Argentina Under-17s captain amid intense global competition.
His style and position have drawn comparisons to Argentina’s World Cup-winning captain and Barcelona icon Messi, whom Guardiola transformed into a star during his time at the Spanish club.
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Echeverri made his debut with River’s first team a year and a half ago and has been a regular player since.
His arrival follows the conclusion of hearings regarding 130 accusations of Financial Fair Play violations against City by the Premier League.
A three-member panel that has been investigating the matter for the past three months will evaluate the findings before issuing a report.
The earliest an outcome is anticipated is around spring, although concerns exist that it could extend into the following season.
The hearings began on September 16 at the International Dispute Resolution Centre in London, initially expected to last for ten weeks.
This timeline has been extended by approximately two weeks, but it is understood that closing arguments were presented at the end of last week.
City, supported by Abu Dhabi, is also accused of being uncooperative during the investigation, which started in 2018 regarding their alleged FFP violations.
If found guilty, they could face severe point deductions that might result in relegation.
Nonetheless, both entities will have the right to appeal any decision if they find it unsatisfactory, indicating that further months may pass before any disciplinary action is taken.
What will become of Man City?

MAN CITY kicked off the season as favorites to claim the Premier League title once again – yet a major challenge looms that could jeopardize the Etihad giants.
Sunsport’s MARTIN LIPTON analyzes the possible outcomes in the months ahead 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. Consequently, I expect a decision by March or April. That’s where things could get tricky.
Custis: What’s the complication in that?
Lipton: If the ruling is in favor of City, that will wrap things up without any consequences.
However, if City is determined to be guilty, the ramifications will be unprecedented regarding penalties from the Premier League.
I suspect that if they are found guilty, it could lead to expulsion from the league or drastic point deductions that would hinder their ability to compete effectively in the Premier League next season.
Check out the full discussion on Man City’s future.