Man City have secret weapon arriving in January transfer window who has been dubbed 'the next Lionel Messi'

One of Argentina's brightest young talents is expected to start training with Manchester City's first-team on January 1 as Pep Guardiola plans to 'deploy' the so-called next Lionel Messi.

Back in January this year, City beat a host of Europe's top clubs to sign Claudio Echeverri from River Plate.

The 18-year-old attacking midfielder would follow in the footsteps of Julian Alvarez, who moved to City from River in 2022, and remain with the Buenos Aires-based club until the end of 2024.

Initially, the plan was to then send Echeverri on loan to sister club Girona as City felt it would help the teenager settle in Europe.

But that idea has been scrapped, according to the Mirror, who claim the fitness problems faced by Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish has prompted a rethink.

Echeverri, who has made 41 appearances for River Plate this year, scoring four goals, has been in superb form for Marcelo Gallardo's side of late.

In fact, River approached City to extend his loan agreement until next summer but that request was turned down.

After captaining Argentina's youth team at the Under-17 World Cup, Echeverri has already trained with the senior national team and impressed, among others, Angel Di María with his playing style and attitude.

"You can see he's got some fire in him. He's got a lot to give," Di Maria said via Copa 90.

"We've already been seeing it. It's nice that the coaching staff gives these types of opportunities to the little ones to be able to enjoy with the older ones in this beautiful moment that we are living in."

Claudio Echeverri drives the ball against Cristian Nuñez of Banfield. Image credit: Getty

Martin Demichelis, the former City defender who coached Echeverri during his spell as River Plate manager, has previously raised concerns over his physicality.

"Nobody doubts Claudio’s technical abilities and his intelligence that allows him to solve all sorts of difficult situations," he said.

"But from a physical standpoint, the first phase was very difficult for him. When I joined River, I knew Echeverri was a diamond in the rough to be cut and polished."

Echeverri, meanwhile, will turn 19 on January 2.

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