Echeverri signed from River Plate in January last year, but remained on loan at the Argentine club until last month and arrives at City having captained his country at the Under-20 South American Championship.

City said the highly-regarded Echeverri had agreed a contract until June 2028 but would remain at River before moving to the Etihad Stadium in January next year.

Turning in a stunning performance in Friday’s quarter-final against Brazil at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Indonesia, Claudio Echeverri’s hattrick helped Argentina beat the four-time winners of the competition for the first time in the age group.

The Albicelestes, who are yet to taste the ultimate glory in the competition, won 3-0 at the Jakarta International Stadium, courtesy of captain and playmaker Claudio Echeverri leading from the front with a hattrick.