Echiverri knocks on Benfica's door strongly as Manchester City's talent prepares for a new start

Young Argentine Claudio Echeverri is set to give his career a fresh opportunity with SL Benfica after struggling since his move to Manchester City, amid hopes that his current experience in Portugal will help him regain his form and prove his abilities.

Echiverri, 20, has caught the eye with Manchester City after coming on as a substitute in the FA Cup final in 2025, before scoring a stunning free-kick during the victory over Al Ain in the FIFA World Cup, suggesting his career with the English team is set to take off.

However, things have not gone as expected, as the player is currently on his third loan in just over 12 months, having made only six starts since his impressive performances with Manchester City in the United States. After a disappointing spell with Bayer Leverkusen, he moved to Girona in the second half of last season, but he was unable to save the team from relegation.

Echiverri has joined SL Benfica on the last day of the summer transfer window on a season-long loan, with an option for the Portuguese club to sign him permanently next summer. The player made his debut for Benfica in mid-September, coming on as a substitute in the closing minutes against Gil Vicente, and assisted his compatriot Gianluca Prestianni during the 3-1 victory, but he missed the next two matches.

Despite this, Benfica's coach Marco Silva praised his debut, noting that the player showed a clear personality and the ability to take responsibility and initiate play. Silva said: "I liked him a lot, and I think that is important. We didn't have much time to train, due to travel, and he didn't have a full week to understand our style of play and dynamics."

"It's important to understand that he came in at a difficult moment in the match and showed what he can do, as he played calmly and wasn't afraid to ask for the ball or take responsibility and risks. We needed a player of this kind, a creative player who enters the penalty area. He played for a short time, but I liked him a lot."

Echeverri scored a goal during SL Benfica's 3-1 win over Estoril in a friendly last week, a sign that could give him an important boost ahead of the resumption of official competitions, amid expectations that he will start to take on a bigger role with the Portuguese team.