Hansi Flick is reportedly keen on signing Argentine prodigy Claudio Echeverri, often referred to as the “Lionel Messi version” for Barcelona. Echeverri, who recently declined to extend his contract with River Plate, is now attracting significant interest due to his exceptional skills, goal-scoring ability, and impressive performances in the Under-17 World Cup in Indonesia.
Echeverri, nicknamed “Diablito,” made international headlines with his remarkable performance in the World Cup, including a stunning hat-trick against Brazil. His flair, composure, and creativity on the ball have made him one of the most discussed young talents in football. Although he had limited playing time for River Plate in 2023 under coach Martín Demichelis, the 17-year-old has showcased glimpses of his immense potential, prompting scouts from across Europe to compete for his signature.
River Plate’s management has expressed a strong desire to extend Echeverri’s contract, which is due to expire in December 2024, with a release clause set at €25 million. Club president Jorge Brito has remained optimistic about reaching an agreement soon, noting that negotiations were temporarily halted during the World Cup but will resume shortly. Meanwhile, manager Enzo Francescoli stressed the importance of patience in fostering Echeverri’s development, even as interest from top European clubs continues to grow.
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 new era, is reportedly eager to bring Echeverri to Camp Nou. The opportunity to develop such a promising talent within the club’s renowned developmental philosophy is an appealing prospect for Barcelona. However, this potential transfer presents challenges for River Plate, as they face the risk of losing one of their brightest stars for a fee that may not fully capture his talent or future potential.
