Argentina's men's football team has been one of the most successful national teams in recent years, winning the World Cup, two Copa Americas, and the South American-European Super Cup. With their outstanding achievements, Argentine players have become highly sought after. Even though Messi has retired from European leagues, his Argentine successors, such as Alvarez, Enzo, McAllister, and De Paul, have shone brightly in European leagues. With the winter transfer window open, more Argentine players are making their way to European leagues. Congratulations to the Argentina team! Two frontline stars have landed in Europe: a 19-year-old genius reinforcing Manchester City, and Lyon adding strong support.
Manchester City had already secured the signing of Argentine player Echeverri from River Plate last year, with the player joining City in January this year for a transfer fee of 18.5 million euros. According to reports from Romano, Echeverri's arrival at City has been delayed, and the club has agreed to let him participate in the upcoming U20 Copa America. He is expected to start playing for City in February.
Echeverri, standing at 1.7 meters tall, is known for his free-roaming forward play and core playstyle. He is capable of dribbling, passing, and shooting, earning him the nickname "New Messi." In the U17 World Cup held in 2023, Echeverri scored five goals, helping the Argentine team reach the semi-finals. His current market value is 18 million euros. City's performance this season has been poor, and they need Echeverri to provide additional firepower.
On January 3rd, according to reports from French newspaper L'Équipe, Argentine player Almada, who plays for Botafogo in Brazil, has publicly confirmed in an interview that he will be transferring to Lyon in France. It is understood that both Lyon and Botafogo are owned by the Eagle Group, and there have been multiple collaborations between the two clubs, including Lyon's sale of Geferson to Botafogo. Almada will now join Lyon, and the club is also expected to sign Botafogo's forward Luis Enrique.
Almada previously played for Atlanta United in MLS, becoming the first MLS player to win a World Cup title. He left Atlanta United last summer to join Botafogo, helping the team win the Copa Libertadores. Almada, a versatile attacking player standing at 1.71 meters tall, is fast, agile, and has excellent footwork. He can play as a shadow striker, winger, or attacking midfielder. Currently 23 years old, his market value is 27 million euros. Argentine fans have long been looking forward to seeing Almada play in one of the top five European leagues, and now he has finally arrived.
The addition of more young Argentine players to top European leagues will not only enhance their abilities but also benefit the Argentine national team. Next year's World Cup could see Echeverri and Almada becoming key players in Argentina's bid for the championship.