Claudio Echeverri left Manchester City last summer to spend the 25/26 season on loan at Bayer Leverkusen. It was hoped that Echeverri would develop as a player in the Bundesliga this season. But that hasnt been the case. So far, Echeverri has yet to make a meaningful impression in Germany. A new report has emerged that indicates that Claudio Echeverri is likely to return to Manchester City in January. That move has appeared to be on the cards for some time as Echeverri has failed to get the opportunities he needs to grow as a player at Leverkusen.
German publication Bild has reported that Pep Guardiola is annoyed at Claudio Echeverris lack of meaningful minutes at Bayer Leverkusen so far this season. Furthermore, Bild reports that there is a sense of frustration at Manchester City regarding Claudio Echeverris situation. It is also reported that Bayer Leverkusen and City are set to meet to discuss Claudio Echeverris future imminently. Bild claims that Echeverri will likely return to Manchester in January. City does have a clause in Echeverris loan deal, which allows them to terminate his loan spell with Bayer Leverkusen in January.
On paper, it seemed that spending this season on loan at Bayer Leverkusen could have been the ideal move for Claudio Echeverri. The German club typically play attractive football and after Florian Wirtz left the club for Liverpool last summer, they did seem to require a player who could play as a number ten, or provide creativity in the final third. Claudio Echeverri fit that profile. But Echeverris time in the Bundesliga has been frustrating, to say the least.
So far this season, Claudio Echeverri has made eight appearances for Bayer Leverkusen, and has played a grand total of 240 minutes in all competitions. He has contributed one assist so far this season. Echeverri hasnt had the opportunities he wouldve hoped for as Bayer Leverkusen is a club that is rebuilding after seeing a host of key players leave the club. They also changed managers early in the 25/26 season. Everything has seemed to conspire against Echeverri at Leverkusen. It also seems that the Argentinian youth international isnt ready to make a consistent impact in European football. Perhaps a move back to Manchester City, and a more suitable loan move for the young attacking midfielder may be the cards in January.
It is disappointing that Claudio Echeverri hasnt made any meaningful impact at Bayer Leverkusen this season. It is hard to see that situation changing by January. The young attacking midfielder looks to be best served by returning to Manchester City when the winter transfer window opens. At least that way, he can train with Pep Guardiolas squad in the hope that a more suitable loan offer arrives in January and Echeverri can play regularly and show his obvious talent and develop as a player.