As fans and critics urge Manchester City to dive head-first into the January transfer market, the Blues have already secured their first New Year arrival to boost their midfield options.

However, before supporters get excited that the new Rodri replacement has been found and will swoop in to save the day, they already know all about the incoming man (or teenager).

Attacking midfielder Claudio Echeverri was signed 12 months ago for £12.5m from River Plate before a year-long loan back at the same club for their 2024 season. It was a similar arrangement to the deal that saw Julian Alvarez signed from River and loaned back while Gabriel Jesus' arrival was delayed in the same circumstances.

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Echeverri's time at River since signing for City has been productive, playing 41 times since the Argentine season started in April, scoring four goals and assisting six. He remains raw, but represented Argentina at the Olympics in the summer and joins City with almost 50 senior appearances to his name already before turning 19 next week.

Speaking after his final game for River, Echeverri hinted at 'videos' of his games which prompted interest from Europe before City signed him. He said: “I wanted to thank you for the support I have always had since I was a kid, in the club where my videos began to be known, I wanted to thank you for the affection with me and my family, grateful to River, with you, with the club, the people who work at the club.

“It’s something unique, very nice to be here, to play for River when I was so young, at the age of 17, when I was lucky enough to make my debut. Thank you for always being with us, the stadium is full every game and I hope I can return soon.”

The attack-minded youngster will join Pep Guardiola's depleted squad in contrasting fortunes to when he signed his contract 12 months ago. The Blues are seventh in the Premier League at Christmas and looking at a play-off round in the Champions League if they want to progress. Many key men are out injured and the midfield Echeverri will join is suffering badly with form, injuries and consistency.

Yet City will give their new recruit time to adapt to his new surroundings in a new country, without placing many expectations on his shoulders. Two seasons ago they signed Maximo Perrone, who trained regularly with Pep Guardiola's men, giving him a handful of substitute appearances before loaning him out after assessing him.

City are open to business in the January window, but will not be making a move for Martin Zubimendi or Bruno Guimaraes.

Writing on Instagram, Echeverri continued: “Today I have to say goodbye to the club of my life, the one I joined at a very young age with a lot of dreams to fulfil.

“River became my second home, the club that formed me not only as a professional but also as a person. I want to thank the fans, teammates, coaching staff, leaders and people who work at the club for all these years. Also, to my family and friends, none of this would have been the same without them.

“I’m going to miss them and I’m going to continue being another fan wherever I have to be. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and see you soon.”