Manchester City supporters have reacted with anger and disbelief to reports that Claudio Echeverri will leave the club on loan again.
According to the report that sparked the reaction, City have decided that the Argentine will not be part of their first-team squad this season. Benfica, Real Betis and Sheffield United have reportedly shown interest in taking the 20-year-old on loan.
The reaction from Manchester City fans was anything but positive.
Instead of viewing another loan as a straightforward development opportunity, many supporters questioned why Echeverri is being sent away when they believe he could contribute to Enzo Maresca’s squad.
Several fans also raised concerns about midfield depth and whether City are taking an unnecessary risk by allowing a highly rated young player to leave.
“I give up” — City fans react angrily
The first wave of reactions showed just how frustrated some supporters were.
One fan simply wrote: “I give up.”
Another supporter posted: “ffs”, while others reacted with comments such as “Damn it”, “Pointless” and “Whyyy??????”
The emotional nature of the responses tells its own story.
Echeverri is not viewed by these supporters as an ordinary squad player. He remains one of the young players many City fans are excited to see develop.
The possibility of another temporary departure has therefore created a sense of disappointment.
One supporter summed up that feeling by asking:
“Thought he’s set to stay? Sad…”
That reaction is particularly revealing because expectations around Echeverri appeared to have changed during pre-season.
Recent reports had suggested that Maresca could keep the Argentine around and potentially give him opportunities. However, the latest information indicates that City have now decided another loan is the preferred option.
Fans question Maresca’s plans
Perhaps the biggest source of frustration is the belief among supporters that Echeverri could have been given minutes under Maresca.
One angry fan wrote:
“Man F**K OFF!!!!! Didn’t Maresca claim he’ll give him cup game minutes!!!!”
That comment highlights the central issue.
Supporters are not necessarily against the idea of young players going out on loan. In fact, many would accept a temporary move if it guarantees regular football.
Their frustration comes from believing that Echeverri may have had a pathway into the first team.
Maresca is now building his own Manchester City squad after succeeding Pep Guardiola in June 2026. His handling of young players will therefore be closely watched.
For fans who expected Echeverri to receive opportunities in cup competitions, the reported loan decision feels like a sudden change of direction.
“Whatever happened about Maresca wanting a big squad?”
Another supporter asked:
“Whatever happened about Maresca wanting a big squad tho?”
It is a question that goes beyond Echeverri.
Manchester City face a demanding season, with domestic and European competitions creating a huge number of fixtures.
A large squad can help a manager rotate his players and protect them from fatigue and injuries.
That is why some supporters are struggling to understand the decision to remove another option from the squad.
If Echeverri leaves, City will have to decide whether his departure creates a gap that needs to be filled elsewhere.
“We’re one injury away from a catastrophe in midfield”
This was arguably the most serious concern raised by supporters.
One fan warned:
“We’re one injury away from a catastrophe in midfield.”
Another wrote:
“One injury might ruined our season.”
These reactions demonstrate that the Echeverri debate is closely connected to wider concerns about squad depth.
Echeverri may be primarily viewed as an attacking midfielder, but supporters clearly believe his versatility could provide another option during a long campaign.
If injuries affect City’s established midfielders, fans fear Maresca could be left with fewer alternatives.
That concern becomes even stronger if the club does not bring in another player before the transfer window closes.
“We have to buy”
Another supporter delivered a simple message:
“We have to buy we have buy.”
The meaning is clear.
If Echeverri is leaving, some fans believe Manchester City must strengthen the squad elsewhere.
This does not necessarily mean supporters believe Echeverri is already ready to become a regular Premier League starter.
Instead, they want the club to have enough depth to cope with the demands of the season.
A loan can make sense for a developing player. But it only works from a squad-building perspective if Manchester City are confident that the remaining options are strong enough.
Fans still believe in Echeverri’s talent
The reaction also showed how highly some City supporters rate the Argentine.
One fan referred to him as “Neo Messi”, while another used the nickname “Echemessi.”
Those comparisons are obviously exaggerated in the traditional style of football social media.
However, they underline the excitement around Echeverri.
He arrived at Manchester City after establishing himself as one of Argentina’s most promising young talents at River Plate.
City signed him in 2024 and initially allowed him to remain with River before beginning his European development path. He subsequently spent time with Bayer Leverkusen and Girona.
His previous loan spells have not yet produced the breakthrough many supporters hoped for.
That makes the next move particularly important.
Another loan could still benefit Echeverri
Despite the anger online, there is a strong footballing argument for another loan.
The biggest issue for Echeverri is playing time.
Remaining at Manchester City only makes sense if Maresca is prepared to give him meaningful opportunities. If he is unlikely to play regularly, a loan to a strong European club could accelerate his development.
Benfica, Real Betis and Sheffield United have reportedly shown interest, giving City different options to consider.
A move to Benfica could be particularly interesting. Later reports indicate that the Portuguese club had moved ahead in negotiations, with the proposed deal reportedly including an option to buy.
That would make the situation even more significant.
Why supporters are worried
The frustration is not simply about losing Echeverri for one season.
Some fans are worried about what the decision says about Manchester City’s squad planning.
One supporter wrote:
“this club is clearly not serious.”
Another asked:
“Are we dumb?”
There were also comments describing the decision as “nonsense” and “pointless.”
Those reactions may be emotional, but they reflect genuine uncertainty.
Fans want to know what the club’s long-term plan is for Echeverri.
If City still believe he can become an important first-team player, another loan could be a sensible step.
But if the club is considering allowing him to leave permanently, supporters may wonder why so much excitement surrounded his arrival in the first place.
Hugo Viana also comes under fire
The reaction was not limited to Maresca.
One supporter claimed:
“Hugo Viana is rage baiting every time.”
Another responded sarcastically:
“Guys don’t worry viana has everything under control.”
Viana has become an important figure in Manchester City’s new sporting structure, so transfer decisions are naturally being associated with him.
The criticism demonstrates the level of scrutiny surrounding City’s recruitment strategy.
Every incoming and outgoing transfer is now being examined by supporters who expect the club to remain competitive at the highest level.
The loan must be about regular football
There is one thing that could change the mood around the Echeverri situation.
Playing time.
If Manchester City send the youngster to a club where he becomes an important first-team player, the decision could eventually be viewed very differently.
Echeverri needs competitive minutes.
His previous European loan experiences have not yet provided the consistency required for a major breakthrough. GOAL reports that he spent part of last season at Girona after previously being with Bayer Leverkusen, while City are now looking for another destination where he can play regularly.
That makes the next decision crucial.
A loan should not simply be about getting Echeverri away from the Etihad.
It should be about putting him somewhere he can play, develop and return to Manchester City ready to compete.
City fans want answers
The reaction to the Echeverri loan report was overwhelmingly emotional.
“I give up.”
“Whyyy??????”
“Damn it.”
“Pointless.”
Those comments reveal the mood among a section of the fanbase.
Yet underneath the anger is something positive: supporters clearly care about Echeverri and want to see him succeed.
The Argentine remains a player with significant potential, and a successful loan could eventually benefit both him and Manchester City.
For now, however, fans are asking why he cannot be given that opportunity at the Etihad.
With Benfica, Real Betis and Sheffield United reportedly interested, the next few days could determine the direction of Echeverri’s career.
If City proceed with the loan, Maresca and the club’s recruitment team will need to make sure the decision strengthens the squad rather than weakening it.
Because judging by the reaction from supporters, sending Claudio Echeverri away without a clear plan for midfield depth could be one of the most unpopular decisions of Manchester City’s transfer window.
