Manchester City loan out two young stars: plans change for Echeverri and Reis

City set to send youngsters out for development

While continuing to enrich their squad with young talents, Manchester City are exploring alternative routes to support these players’ development. For Claudio Echeverri and Vitor Reis, who joined the club in January, the club now plans to loan them out in the short term. According to a report by The Athletic, these two players could be temporarily transferred to other teams during the summer window.

Squad quality makes opportunities scarce

Given the high-calibre, high-cost names added to the squad by City, it has become increasingly difficult for developing young players like Echeverri and Reis to break into the first XI.

€373.7 million investment casts a shadow

Over the last two transfer windows, Manchester City have invested heavily in young players to both deepen the squad and build for the future. Alongside Echeverri and Reis, Abdukhodir Khusanov, Omar Marmoush and Nico González also joined the team in January. In the early weeks of the summer window, notable additions like Rayan Aït-Nouri, Tijjani Reijnders, Marcus Bettinelli, and Rayan Cherki have followed. With over £284 million spent, competition within the squad has become fiercer than ever. Between the summer of 2024, the winter of 2025, and the ongoing summer 2025 window, City’s total spending has reached €373.7 million. This figure could rise further before the current window closes.

Echeverri: a modern South American playmaker

Claudio Echeverri caught the football world’s attention with his performances at the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup. Scoring five goals in five matches for Argentina, the young player stood out not only for his scoring ability but also for his vision, ball control, and vertical passing. A natural leader on the pitch, Echeverri is a versatile talent capable of playing both as a No.10 and in the right-sided central midfield role. His ability to manipulate the ball in tight spaces and disrupt defensive structures makes him a modern iteration of the classic South American playmaker. Although he has yet to fully develop physically, his decision-making and creativity have already placed him on the radar of Europe’s elite clubs.

Vitor Reis: a defender defined by technical quality

The Brazilian centre-back came through the Palmeiras youth system and stands at 1.83m tall. Despite not being a towering defender, he is highly reliable in aerial duels. Even under pressing from opposing attackers, he remains composed and distributes the ball accurately. Confident in his technique, Reis boasts high passing accuracy over short and medium ranges when playing out from the back. His on-field composure and ball progression skills set him apart from the traditional centre-back mould. Reis looks like a ball-playing centre-back tailor-made for Guardiola’s system, profiling as a promising defender with strong technical credentials.

Stones stays, Reis sees his path blocked

There were rumours that Stones might leave the club following an injury-plagued season, but the English defender’s recent statements have made it clear he intends to stay. This closes off the immediate opportunities that Reis might have had in the squad.

Loan plan in motion: focus on development and rhythm

According to The Athletic, both players are being lined up for loan moves this summer. The goal is for Claudio Echeverri to play in an environment where he can receive regular game time to aid his development. Similarly, Vitor Reis is expected to join a club where he can continue his physical growth and gain competitive match experience.

City’s loan model: historical examples and strategic path

City’s management view loan spells not just as a way to gain playing time but also to assess a player’s adaptability. Oscar Bobb, James McAtee, and Taylor Harwood-Bellis all followed similar routes and progressed well. However, there are also examples like Kayky and Nahuel Bustos, who failed to fully integrate into the City system and were eventually moved on.

Football Insider: this is investment, not departure

According to Football Insider, both Claudio Echeverri and Vitor Reis are seen as part of Manchester City’s long-term vision. The club is closely monitoring the development of both players and aims to reintegrate them after their loan spells. The same report notes that performances at the Club World Cup have reinforced this strategy. Specifically regarding Echeverri, the fact that previous offers were turned down and that he is being considered for the squad from 2025 onwards underlines the club’s belief in his potential.

City’s system offers room for youth development

Breaking into Manchester City’s current squad is tougher than ever for young players. However, under Guardiola’s management, the system also offers an ideal environment for development. That’s why controlled experiences in other leagues followed by a strong return to City are seen as critical for players like Echeverri and Reis.

Girona loan shaping up as likely destination

The club strongly believes in the potential of these two players and is carefully selecting environments where they can gain regular minutes. Any loan move is expected to directly impact both the player’s development and City’s future planning. Considering the structure of City Football Group and previous loan strategies, Girona appears to be a likely destination for Echeverri to continue his progress.

Similar model for Reis

For Reis, playing in leagues that favour technically proficient defenders would be more beneficial for his growth. Girona, who play in Spain’s La Liga and are part of the City Football Group, is a club noted for nurturing young talent. The recent success of players like Savinho there suggests that a similar model could be applied to Reis. However, no official announcement has yet been made by the club regarding such a plan.