Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez confirms interest in 17-year-old starlet
Claudio Echeverri, a 17-year-old Argentine prospect, is being tracked by Barcelona, as acknowledged by manager Xavi Hernandez. Since his contract expires in December 2024, the River Plate starlet is expected to depart either in the summer or during the January transfer window, since he is attracting interest from many of Europe’s best clubs.
La Liga rivals Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid are two of the numerous elite teams that have been connected to Echeverri. Leading scouts took notice of the attacking playmaker at the under-17 World Cup, as his three goals were crucial in advancing Argentina to the semifinals.
It was earlier on Friday that reports said River and Barcelona were negotiating a deal for Echeverri that may cost more than €25 million. Before playing Valencia, Xavi answered questions regarding his knowledge of Echeverri and if he thought Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi will reunite at Inter Miami during his pregame news conference.
“It’s not official that Luis will be travelling to Miami, is it? Since they are such good friends, they will be thrilled to see each other again. Many former Barcelona players will build an excellent team.
Beyond his three goals against Brazil, Echeverri is a gifted football player. The scouting team is working hard to find more players like him.