Guardiola Addresses Echeverri’s Loan Struggles at Leverkusen

Pep Guardiola did not disguise his frustration or confusion when approached about Echeverri’s stalled loan at Bayer Leverkusen.

The 19-year-old has seen minimal playing time this season, and when asked if Manchester City might recall him in January, Guardiola promptly stated, “That’s a question for his agent.”

He further clarified that City desires for their loaned players to accumulate regular minutes on the pitch, but emphasized that he has “no idea” about the circumstances at Leverkusen.

“We always prefer that our loan players gain significant playing time. We hold him in high regard as a footballer. What’s occurring at Leverkusen is something you’ll need to inquire about; I’m not informed, but speaking to him or his agent would provide clarity,” Guardiola remarked during a press conference.

Echeverri’s situation has raised growing concerns within the club, underscored by Guardiola’s comments.

Having arrived in Europe with significant expectations after a standout performance at River Plate, where he scored nine goals in a youth tournament in Venice and became one of the youngest scorers in the Copa Libertadores, City secured him on a six-year contract in January 2024, viewing him as a long-term investment.

He remained with River until the end of that year and made a few appearances for City in the latter half of the 2024-25 season, even scoring during the Club World Cup, before being loaned to Leverkusen for the current campaign. This move was intended as a vital step in acclimating him to the demands of European football.

However, he has faced challenges in breaking into a struggling Leverkusen squad. Echeverri has only made eight appearances, with just three as a starter, and he has not featured in the last five matches, failing to register a goal or assist this season.

The absence of consistent playing time has bred mounting frustration. Reports from Argentina suggest that Echeverri has expressed a desire to return to River Plate, a sentiment he hinted at with a viral image kissing the River badge, accompanied by a heart and hourglass emoji.

His emotional post has reignited speculation regarding his dissatisfaction, as fans interpreted it as a message of nostalgia from a young player yearning for the place he once called home. Sources in Argentina have indicated that discussions between Echeverri’s representatives and City regarding a potential return are already underway.

From City’s viewpoint, however, a return to South America is currently not under consideration. The club believes that exposure to European football is crucial for his tactical and physical development. Instead, they are contemplating redirecting him to another European club in January if his current situation at Leverkusen does not improve.

The dilemma now presents a dual challenge: Echeverri seeks trust and playing time, while City aims to ensure his development remains on track. Leverkusen, competing at the highest levels in the Bundesliga and Champions League, are struggling to provide opportunities without clear match readiness.

For all the challenges surrounding him, Echeverri is still regarded as one of South America’s brightest talents. His journey from River’s academy to scoring in the Club World Cup with City highlights his potential. However, at just 19, regular playing time is critical, and the stagnation he faces in Germany poses a risk to the rapid progression he once exhibited.

City continues to view him as a long-term asset, yet Guardiola’s remarks underscore a crucial reality: the club cannot dictate his next steps in isolation. His agent must now facilitate the most beneficial solution, whether that involves advocating for more playing time at Leverkusen, exploring a mid-season loan, or recalibrating expectations for his developmental journey.