Coming from Fabrizio Romano this morning Manchester City has just completed the signing of world-class Mexican Midfielder to replace Kelvin Phillips
Manchester City has completed the signing of Mexican youth international Alex Alcala.
The 18-year-old joins from the LA Galaxy after the Blues exercised a purchase option under a 2020 agreement with the City Football Group. Alcala, an explosive midfielder, is anticipated to remain with the academy for the second half of this season and the following campaign, while a loan move next season is also possible.
City are also close to concluding a permanent deal with River Plate for 17-year-old midfielder Claudio Echeverri, who is believed to be their sole major signing of the January window. Just as they did with Julian Alvarez in 2022, the Blues will let Echeverri stay at the Argentine club for at least another six months before deciding on the best choice.
Alvarez’s performance, which helped City win five major trophies in 2023 after winning the World Cup with Argentina in December 2022, has given the Blues faith that their recruitment operation in South America, directed by Joan Patsy, will yield more success. City Football Group’s director of football in South America persuaded the Blues to sign Alvarez in January 2022, as other clubs became aware of his potential, and the £14 million fee already appears to be one of the best deals in years.
City has also achieved tremendous success in Brazil. Gabriel Jesus had an immediate impact after joining from Palmeiras in Pep Guardiola’s first year in command, while full-back Yan Couto is impressing in a Girona side defying the odds in La Liga.
The only other important business in January will be Kalvin Phillips’ temporary leave. A number of Premier League clubs are interested in providing him the opportunity to play regular football ahead of the Euros this summer, but City does not need to let him go and will not let him go on loan without receiving compensation.
