Barcelona’s pursuit of young Argentine talent Claudio Echeverri has sent ripples through the football world. The 17-year-old prodigy from River Plate has emerged as a target for several top European clubs, igniting speculation over a potential move in either the upcoming January transfer window or during the summer.

Manager Xavi Hernandez confirmed the club’s interest in Echeverri, acknowledging the talented youngster’s profile and the impending expiration of his contract in December 2024. Follow your favourite La Liga team with attractive La Liga odds from Nextbet.

“Echeverri is a talent, beyond the three goals against Brazil he is a differential footballer but this is down to the scouting department, and they are on it,” Xavi stated during a pre-match press conference, highlighting the player’s exceptional skills that stood out during his performance in the under-17 World Cup.

The young attacking midfielder gained widespread attention from elite scouts after his impressive display in the international tournament, where his crucial three goals propelled Argentina into the semi-finals. 

Notably, La Liga rivals Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid have also expressed interest in securing Echeverri’s services, indicating a fierce competition for his signature among the Spanish giants.

Reports emerged on Friday suggesting that Barcelona had initiated talks with River Plate, contemplating a deal that could potentially exceed a substantial €25 million for Echeverri’s transfer.

When questioned about the prospect of seeing Luis Suarez reuniting with Lionel Messi at Inter Miami, Xavi responded cautiously, saying, “It’s not official about Luis going to Miami, right? They are great friends and they will be excited about getting together again. A lot of ex-Barca players, they’ll make a great team.”

The confirmation of Barcelona’s pursuit of Echeverri adds fuel to the speculation surrounding the youngster’s future. The combination of his burgeoning talent and the impending contractual situation makes him a prized asset for clubs vying to secure promising prospects.

As the footballing world eagerly awaits developments in the transfer market, the focus remains on the talented Argentine teenager whose skills have captivated the attention of Europe’s footballing elite. Barcelona’s interest in Echeverri signifies their commitment to securing promising talents for the club’s future. Get the latest updates from the La Liga only on Nextbet Sports.