Sergio Aguero shares exciting Claudio Echeverri scout report as Man City complete £12.5m signing

Manchester City legend Sergio Aguero says newly signing Claudio Echeverri has 'lots of potential' to develop into an elite player in the future.

City announced the signing of Echeverri from River Plate in a deal worth an initial £12.5million plus add-ons. The 18-year-old signed a four-year deal until June 2028 but will stay at the Argentinian club for 12 months as part of the arrangement.

He is another player City have signed from River following the £14m move for Julian Alvarez in January 2022. Echeverri will continue playing for the Buenos Aires giants, having already made six appearances so far this season, and he also represents Argentina at Under-17 level.

READ MORE: Who is Claudio Echeverri? Man City's new signing dubbed the next Lionel Messi

READ MORE: Erling Haaland issues Man City injury message ahead of FA Cup tie vs Tottenham

The midfielder has been dubbed as the 'next Lionel Messi' in Argentina, who could be destined for superstardom at the Etihad. Speaking to Stake.com, Aguero revealed he has kept a close eye on Echeverri's development.

"Lots of quality and potential," the former City star said. "[I] Saw him play the U-17 World Cup and enjoyed his style.

"He can use the year he has ahead at River Plate to get used to being part of the senior squad, then he'll have to fight the uphill battle that is adapting to European football. But he's got the means to become a top-flight player."

Current River boss and former City defender Martin Demichelles said of the youngster: "Nobody doubts Claudio’s technical abilities and his intelligence that allows him to solve all sorts of difficult situations.

"From a physical standpoint, the first phase was very difficult for him. When I joined River, I knew Echeverri