Claudio Echeverri is officially a new signing for Benfica The 20-year-old Argentine forward signed his loan contract with the Portuguese club after leaving Manchester City, where he had not managed to establish himself in the first team.
The Diablito, who arrived in England from River at the beginning of 2025, will wear the number 30 jersey. That number became available after Nicolás Otamendi's departure, who was the captain and face of the team last season and now defends River's colors.
In his first statement as an Eagles player, Echeverri thanked the reception and committed to the club's objectives. “I wanted to send a big greeting. Thank you very much for the support you have given me since it was announced that I was coming. We will achieve all the objectives we have this year, you deserve it. Keep supporting as you always do,” he stated in a message shared on Benfica's social media.
The attacker will share the locker room with two other compatriots: Enzo Barrenechea and Gianluca Prestianni. The arrival was finalized after several days of negotiations and in a context where coach Enzo Maresca did not have him among his priorities at City.
The recent journey of Diablito
Since his arrival in Manchester, Echeverri has only played three matches and scored one goal, which was against Al Ain in the Club World Cup. That limited participation led to a loan to Bayer Leverkusen, where he played eleven matches and provided one assist before ending the contract.
His next destination was Girona. There he found more prominence: 17 matches, one goal, and one assist. Those performances opened the door to a new opportunity at a top European club like Benfica, a historic representative of Portugal.
The decision to change environments responds to the need to gain minutes and continuity. At City, he could not secure a stable position, and both at Leverkusen and Girona, he sought to showcase his quality as a winger or forward with vertical and disruptive characteristics.
Now, with the number 30 on his back, Diablito begins a new stage in which he will try to become an important piece in the Eagles' scheme. The Portuguese club bets on his youth and offensive potential to strengthen the attack for local and international competitions.
Expectations and context of the signing
The formal presentation marks the beginning of his temporary link with Benfica. The loan from Manchester City allows the player to gain experience in a demanding environment, while the English club retains rights over his contract.
Otamendi had left a deep mark in the locker room and among the Portuguese fans. That Echeverri adopts that particular number generates a special symbolism among the supporters, who hope to see the Argentine perform on the field with the same commitment shown by the defender.
The forward arrived with the backing of his time in River's youth teams and with the projection that took him to Europe while still very young. Now he must quickly adapt to Portuguese football and the demands of a squad that regularly competes for titles.
With a greeting to the fans and a public commitment to meet the objectives, Echeverri took the first step in his stage in Lisbon. It remains to be seen how his performance develops and if he can establish himself as one of Benfica's offensive figures this season.
