Claudio Echeverri’s Benfica loan is beginning to look like the reset his career needed. The Manchester City midfielder has played only 267 minutes across six appearances, yet his contributions have helped turn reports of a possible permanent move into a serious discussion.
Portuguese outlets differ on whether Benfica have already decided to buy him. Correio da Manhã says the club’s board has opted to activate its purchase option; Jornal de Notícias expects a decision closer to the end of the season. Either way, the contrast with Echeverri’s earlier loan spells at Bayer Leverkusen and Girona is striking.
Small role, visible impact
Echeverri has started twice, but several of his most useful moments have come off the bench. He assisted Gianluca Prestianni in Benfica’s 3-1 win over Gil Vicente, then set up Sudakov during a 2-0 victory against Vitória de Guimarães. Against Omonia in the Europa League, he also contributed to two goals.
His latest intervention came against Alverca on Monday. With Benfica struggling to find a breakthrough, manager Marco Silva introduced him at half-time. Echeverri soon won the penalty Pavlidis converted to secure a 1-0 win.
Silva said after the match that Echeverri had arrived later than the rest of the squad and had been improving. The manager added that the Argentine gave the team what it needed and was starting to understand the instructions. His attacking work is making a case for more time on the pitch, though A Bola reports that he still needs to improve his defensive positioning and help preserve the team’s balance.
A better fit in Lisbon
Record reports that Echeverri is happy in Lisbon, comfortable with his teammates and pleased with the club’s environment for his development. Silva’s trust appears to have helped. Before choosing Benfica, Echeverri had offers from clubs in the Premier League, Serie A and La Liga.
He reportedly preferred Benfica’s project in part because of fellow Argentine Gianluca Prestianni, a longtime friend whose development he has followed. After the Alverca match, Echeverri said he was happy at the club and focused on making the most of the minutes available. He described the competition for places as strong and said he was giving everything to become a starter.
Asked after the Omonia match about staying beyond the loan, he called the prospect “something beautiful” before adding that it was a step-by-step process. That cautious answer fits a player still working to establish himself, even as the club weighs a longer commitment.
Purchase option could reach €31m
Correio da Manhã reports that Benfica can trigger Echeverri’s purchase option during the loan and has begun work on a permanent transfer. The reported fee is €21m (£18.2m), with up to €10m (£8.7m) in bonuses, bringing the potential package to €31m (£26.9m).
The report links Benfica’s planning to uncertainty around Prestianni. His performances have drawn interest from major European clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain, and Correio da Manhã says a January departure remains possible despite his €100m (£86.8m) release clause. Keeping Echeverri could provide Benfica with another Argentine attacking option if Prestianni leaves.
Jornal de Notícias also sees the prospect of a permanent deal as encouraging, but says Benfica will wait until nearer the end of the season before making a formal decision. The accounts point to genuine interest, though the timing and status of the club’s decision remain unclear.
Manchester City reportedly hold a €50m (£43.4m) buyback clause if Benfica completes the purchase. For now, Echeverri’s immediate task is simpler: turn his productive cameos into a regular role. His growing influence has made a permanent move plausible, and more consistent minutes will show whether this loan can deliver the sustained progress his earlier spells didn’t.
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