Mexican youth international Alex Alcala has officially joined Manchester City, departing from LA Galaxy as the Blues exercised a purchase option from a 2020 contract within the City Football Group. The talented 18-year-old midfielder is expected to stay at the academy for the remainder of this season and the next, with a potential loan in the following campaign.
City is also on the brink of securing the permanent transfer of 17-year-old midfielder Claudio Echeverri from River Plate, likely marking their last significant January transfer. Echeverri will be given at least six more months with the Argentine team before the club decides on his optimal options, mirroring the approach taken with Julian Alvarez in 2022, whose success contributed to City’s five major titles in 2023.
The positive outcomes from Joan Patsy’s recruitment efforts in South America, highlighted by Alvarez’s impact, raise hopes for additional benefits. City has historically succeeded in Brazil, exemplified by Gabriel Jesus and Yan Couto.
The only notable January event left involves Kalvin Phillips’s temporary departure. Several Premier League teams seek to provide him regular playing time before the Euros, but City, not obliged to let him go, will only permit a loan with appropriate compensation.
