Pep Guardiola’s Fury: Why Manchester City May Recall Claudio Echeverri from Leverkusen Loan in January
Pep Guardiola is reportedly frustrated with Manchester City’s decision to loan out one of their brightest young stars, Claudio “Diablito” Echeverri, to Bayer Leverkusen, and with good reason.
The 19-year-old Argentine attacker has managed only 240 minutes across all competitions (Bundesliga and Champions League), sparking serious concern within City’s hierarchy. Echeverri’s lack of action has been a thorn in Guardiola’s side, especially considering how highly he rates the youngster. According to reports, City retained a recall clause for January, and those in charge are now actively discussing whether to bring him back if his minutes don’t pick up.
Why Is Echeverri Getting So Few Minutes At Leverkusen?
There are multiple factors behind Echeverri’s limited game time, and it’s not just about him underperforming. According to Bayer Leverkusen’s sporting director Simon Rolfes, tactical concerns have played a big role. Rolfes explained that the team is focusing on defensive stability first, even if it means sacrificing chances for more creative players like Echeverri.
On top of that, the managerial situation hasn’t exactly been easy. Leverkusen began the season under Erik ten Hag, but he was dismissed early in the season. Since then, Kasper Hjulmand has taken over, and Echeverri has struggled to break into a squad where his competition includes the likes of Jonas Hofmann, Ernest Poku, and Malik Tillman, all of whom have been preferred in the more advanced roles.
Rolfes’ comments suggest this is less about the player lacking talent and more about the team’s structure: they want to be solid at the back before unleashing their more attacking options.
Echeverri’s Growing Discontent – And His Wish to Return to River Plate
Unsurprisingly, Echeverri is not happy. Reports from Argentina suggest he has expressed a strong desire to return to River Plate, the club where he made his name as a teenager. His frustration has become more visible, media outlets say his camp is applying pressure, and there is growing belief that a mutual agreement between Manchester City and Leverkusen might be struck in January to terminate the loan early.
For City, there’s a concern: if Echeverri returns midseason, where would they send him next? They believe he still has enormous potential, but they also want him playing regular first-team football, something he clearly isn’t getting in Germany.
What’s Next? A January Recall Seems Increasingly Likely
Given the circumstances, a January recall is now entering serious consideration at Manchester City. City set a target for him to play at least 50% of available minutes at Leverkusen; failure to meet that benchmark could trigger the exit clause.
If they do decide to bring him back, the plan likely won’t be to integrate him immediately into their first team under Guardiola, the competition in midfield and attack is fierce. Instead, a new loan could be arranged, possibly somewhere where he can be a more central figure. River Plate remains a strong option in his mind, and in Argentina, the idea of his return is gaining traction.
Bigger Picture: City’s Long-Term Vision vs Short-Term Reality
This is not the first time Manchester City have bet on Echeverri’s talent. They signed him from River Plate in January 2024, but he stayed on loan at his old club before heading to Manchester for a brief cameo-filled spell.
City believed Leverkusen, a club competing not only in the Bundesliga but also in Europe, would offer him the right environment to develop. However, that gamble seems to be backfiring. The reality of first-team football, especially in a team that demands tactical discipline and defensive balance, has limited Echeverri’s chances to shine.
From Guardiola’s perspective, this might be a wake-up call: playing time matters more than just being at a big club. For Echeverri, being in the right environment where he actually plays, not just sits on the bench, is arguably more important for his growth than the prestige of the club he is loaned to.
Final Thoughts
Claudio Echeverri’s loan to Bayer Leverkusen was supposed to be a step forward, a chance to mature, gain experience, and get consistent minutes. Instead, it has become a thorny problem for Manchester City. Guardiola’s patience appears to be wearing thin, and if things don’t change soon, January could bring a dramatic twist: a recall and a fresh start elsewhere.
For Echeverri, it’s a critical moment. At just 19, he already carries huge expectations. The next few weeks could define his trajectory, whether he returns to City to fight for his place or moves again to reignite his career.
