Girona eye Manchester City stars as green light issued to resume loan negotiations

Manchester City and their City Football Group sister club Girona are set to resume loan deals, paving the way for several CFG talents, including highly-rated players, to potentially move to the Spanish top-flight for the 2025/26 season.

Girona, part of CFG since 2017, had a sensational 2023/24 campaign, finishing third in La Liga and qualifying for the UEFA Champions League for the first time. This success makes them an attractive destination for emerging talents within the CFG ecosystem seeking top-level experience, as seen previously with successful loans like Yan Couto and Savinho.

Previous negotiations for new loans were paused due to UEFA regulations and potential conflicts of interest arising from both clubs competing in the same European competition (Champions League). However, this regulatory uncertainty now appears resolved or eased, allowing loan discussions to restart.

According to reports, Girona has received approval to resume loan deals with CFG clubs, particularly Manchester City. Two specific players are mentioned: highly-rated Argentine playmaker Claudio Echeverri is reportedly 'highly liked' by Girona but has offers from other European clubs, while Brazilian central defender Vitor Reis is viewed as a 'more feasible' option for the loan move.

Echeverri, signed from River Plate, is considered a generational talent but has limited senior appearances under Pep Guardiola. Reis, the Brazilian centre-back, has impressed coaches and scouts, with some within CFG believing a full senior loan is the logical next step for his development.