Another loan move for Echeverri: one step away from Benfica and set for his fourth shirt in a year El Diablito is on the verge of joining the Portuguese giants after spells at City, Leverkusen and Girona over the past 365 days. Echeverri, very close to Benfica Claudio Echeverri is on the verge of wearing his fourth club shirt in a year. After remaining on the bench and not coming on last Friday in Manchester City’s 4-1 win over Crystal Palace in the Premier League, and with the transfer windows in Europe’s major leagues closing within hours, El Diablito is very close to joining Benfica. Once again unable to secure the role he was hoping for at the English club, now managed by Enzo Maresca, the talented 20-year-old is looking for playing time at a Benfica side that has made an excellent start to the season, with Gianluca Prestianni currently enjoying a strong run of form. With Otamendi no longer at the club, the other Argentine in the squad is Enzo Barrenechea. From club to club In January 2024, River officially announced Echeverri’s transfer to Manchester City for €15 million plus another €9 million in potential add-ons. As agreed at the time, the Chaco-born midfielder joined Guardiola’s team at the beginning of 2025. With the Citizens, he made three appearances and scored once, during the Club World Cup. On August 23 of last year, he made his debut for Bayer Leverkusen, where he played 11 matches. On January 26, 2026, he made his debut for Girona, making 17 appearances and scoring one goal. During this European preseason, he played two friendlies for City, and now he is very close to joining Benfica. In the meantime, Lionel Scaloni included him in his 55-man preliminary squad for the World Cup. Echeverri is specifically looking for regular playing time so he can be part of the Argentina national team's new cycle, which—with or without Scaloni—will begin after the 2026 World Cup. The three shirts he has worn this year Manchester City Celebrating his only goal for Manchester City. Bayer Leverkusen Echeverri against Vitinha during a Leverkusen-PSG Champions League match. Girona Echeverri celebrating his only goal for Girona. If the Benfica move goes through, Echeverri will have played for four different clubs in just over a year, all on loan after Manchester City signed him from River.   submitted by   /u/IndividualPleasant23 [link]   [comments]