New Messi? Xavi admires the performance of the young Argentine midfielder

Barcelona's head coach, Xavi, has acknowledged the talent of the young Argentine midfielder from River Plate, Claudio Echeverri. This acknowledgment emerges amidst speculations regarding the player's potential move to one of European football's giants.

ESPN asserts that Barcelona is keen on the young River Plate midfielder but faces competition from Chelsea, Manchester City, and PSG. Nevertheless, the Argentine previously expressed his desire to join the Catalan team. Xavi recently commented on the player, nicknamed "El Diablito" (The Little Devil), stating:

"The boy [Echeverri] is a talent. Besides the hat-trick he scored against Brazil [in the U-17 World Cup], he plays a decisive role, but this is something the scouting department should handle."

Echeverri, who turns 18 in January, has himself expressed a desire to join Barcelona. Before the U-17 World Cup in November, he stated:

"Just like with River, I would like to play for Barça. I'm a big fan of Lionel Messi, and I've watched how he played there, so I've been following this team since I was a child."

The January transfer window opens in just two weeks. Perhaps Barcelona will make an offer to the player early next year, especially considering that his contract expires at the end of the current season. River Plate would find it more advantageous to sell the player now rather than release him later as a free agent.