Girona officially announced on Sunday the signing of Argentine attacker Claudio Echeverri on loan from Manchester City for half a season. Echeverri will wear the number 14 shirt at Girona, and the contract does not include a buy-out clause.

Before joining Girona, Etcheverri had hoped to return to his former club River Plate. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, however, opposed this, preferring that Etcheverri remain in Europe.

Besides River Plate and Girona, Villarreal and several Brazilian clubs were also interested in Echeverri. However, Girona ultimately secured the loan due to their shared membership in the City Group with Manchester City.

The 20-year-old Echeverri came through River Plate's youth academy and made his first-team debut in the Argentine Primera División on June 23, 2023. He subsequently made 48 appearances for River Plate, contributing to 12 goals (4 goals and 8 assists), and winning the Argentine Primera División title, the Argentine Super Cup, and the Argentine League Champions League title with the team.

In December 2024, Echeverri officially joined Manchester City for €18.5 million. Due to intense competition in the midfield and attacking positions, he only made 3 appearances for Manchester City, scoring 1 goal.

In August 2025, Echeverri was loaned out by Manchester City to Bayer Leverkusen for one season. During his loan spell, he only made 11 appearances, eight of which were as a substitute.

After completing the signing, Echeverri said: "I spoke with Michel (Girona's coach) and it felt great. He's the one who gave me the confidence to join Girona. I'm eager to play and do my best to help the team. I think it will be a wonderful experience."

“I’ve also spoken with Pep. He assured me that I would be very happy in Girona because the people there are humble and friendly, and I can learn a lot from them. He hopes I can get playing time and help the team.”

Echeverri added, "My main strengths are dribbling and speed. My most suitable position is what Argentinians call the 'playmaker,' which is the position behind the center forward."

“I feel I can help the team, especially in midfield and as a striker. Girona is a team that loves possession, and I hope to adapt quickly and create more scoring opportunities for the team.”