Echeverri’s Loan Stagnation: Guardiola’s Concerns Grow

Pep Guardiola did not conceal his frustration when questioned about Echeverri’s limited playing time during his loan at Bayer Leverkusen. The 19-year-old has made minimal appearances this season, prompting inquiries about a potential return to Manchester City in January. Guardiola succinctly stated, “It’s a question for his agent.”

He emphasized that the club prefers its loanees to gain regular playing time but admitted he has “no idea” about the circumstances at Leverkusen.

“We always hope that players on loan get substantial minutes. We hold him in high regard as a footballer. What is happening at Leverkusen is something you need to ask them. I do not know the specifics, but his agent will have the necessary information,” Guardiola remarked during a press conference.

Echeverri’s future has increasingly become a concern for the club, further underscored by Guardiola’s comments regarding his situation.

Having joined City with significant expectations following a standout performance at River Plate—where he scored nine goals in a youth tournament in Venice and became one of the club’s youngest Copa Libertadores scorers—Echeverri was secured on a six-year deal in January 2024 as part of a long-term vision.

He remained with River until the end of that year and then made brief appearances for City during the latter half of the 2024-25 season, scoring in the Club World Cup. Subsequently, he was loaned to Leverkusen to aid his adaptation to the pace and tactical demands of European football.

However, he has found it challenging to break into a Leverkusen team struggling with managerial issues this season. Echeverri has only made eight appearances, three of which were starts, and has not stepped onto the pitch in the last five matches, failing to record a goal or assist.

This lack of consistent playing time has led to increasing frustration. Reports from Argentina indicate that Echeverri has expressed a desire to return to River Plate, a sentiment he seemingly conveyed through a viral photo of himself kissing the River badge, captioned with a heart and hourglass emoji.

Fans quickly interpreted this as a signal of his longing for home, reflecting the feelings of a young player who once felt valued in his native environment. Sources suggest discussions between Echeverri’s camp and City have already commenced regarding a possible return.

From City’s perspective, however, a move back to South America is not currently on the table. The club believes that exposure to European football is crucial for his tactical and physical development. They are, instead, considering the option of loaning him to another European club in January should his situation at Leverkusen not improve.

The dilemma now is two-fold: Echeverri seeks trust and playing time, while City is focused on his development trajectory. Meanwhile, Leverkusen is competing at the highest levels within the Bundesliga and Champions League, creating challenges for coach Kasper Hjulmand in providing him opportunities without clear match readiness.

Despite the surrounding noise, Echeverri remains one of South America’s promising talents. His journey from River’s academy to becoming a scorer in the Club World Cup with City showcases his potential. Yet, at just 19 years old, on-field experience is crucial, and the stagnation in Germany risks halting the rapid progress he was once making.

City continues to regard him as a long-term asset, but Guardiola’s comments highlight the reality that the club cannot navigate his next steps independently. His agent must now facilitate the appropriate solution, whether that involves negotiating for more minutes with Leverkusen, arranging a mid-season loan transfer, or adjusting expectations for his developmental path.