Hansi Flick has reportedly set his sights on securing the signature of Argentine wonderkid Claudio Echeverri, widely regarded as the “Lionel Messi version” for Barcelona. Echeverri, who recently refused to renew his contract with River Plate, is now the focus of immense attention due to his skill, goal-scoring prowess, and remarkable performances in the Under-17 World Cup in Indonesia.
Echeverri, known as “Diablito,” captured global headlines with his standout performance in the World Cup, including a dazzling hat-trick against Brazil. His flair, composure, and creativity on the ball have turned him into one of the most talked-about young talents in football. Despite limited game time for River Plate during 2023 under coach Martín Demichelis, the 17-year-old has shown glimpses of the immense potential that has scouts across Europe vying for his signature.
River Plate’s management has been vocal about their 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 expressed optimism about reaching an agreement soon, stating that discussions were paused during the World Cup but would resume shortly. Meanwhile, manager Enzo Francescoli emphasized the importance of patience in nurturing Echeverri’s development, even as interest from major European clubs intensifies.
Barcelona’s interest in Echeverri has gained traction in recent days, with Spanish media highlighting the Blaugrana’s intent to expedite a deal for the young playmaker. This interest aligns with Echeverri’s own admiration for the Catalan club. In an interview prior to the World Cup, the Chaco native shared his dream of playing for Barcelona, citing his admiration for Lionel Messi and the influence of the Argentine legend on his football aspirations.
Hansi Flick, recently appointed to lead Barcelona’s next chapter, is reportedly keen to bring Echeverri to the Camp Nou. The prospect of nurturing such a promising talent under the club’s storied developmental philosophy is an enticing opportunity for Barcelona. However, the potential transfer poses challenges for River Plate, as they risk losing one of their brightest stars for a fee that may not fully reflect his talent or future impact.
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 aligns with the player’s true market value. Still, the possibility of an early exit for Echeverri looms large, with Barcelona leading the race to acquire one of the most exciting young players in world football.
For now, the eyes of the football world remain on Claudio Echeverri as his future hangs in the balance, poised between his current role at River Plate and the allure of a move to one of Europe’s footballing giants.
