PEP GUARDIOLA is gearing up to introduce the ‘next Lionel Messi’ to Manchester City’s struggling squad next month.

The 18-year-old Argentine talent Claudio Echeverri is expected to join from River Plate, following a £12 million agreement struck last year.

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City had previously allowed him to stay in Argentina for an extra season, as the South American team aimed to retain him for a longer period.

Nonetheless, manager Guardiola has decided to integrate the attacking midfielder into the squad for the remainder of the season.

Therefore, Echeverri will be arriving in England in the new year to join the first team for the rest of the campaign.

He’ll be ready to make an impact straight away, although he might require some time to acclimate to his new environment.

City has also contemplated sending the young talent to one of their affiliated clubs for European experience.

This option may still be available come summer if he is deemed not ready to compete for a position in Pep’s squad.

In the meantime, the Etihad manager recognized this past weekend that he is facing a significant shortage of players due to several injuries.

Echeverri will have numerous chances to demonstrate that he can fit into the team’s structure.

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Last winter, the reigning Premier League champions successfully captured the signing of the Argentina Under-17s captain amidst intense global competition.

His playing style and role have drawn comparisons with Argentina’s World Cup-winning captain and Barcelona legend Messi, who Guardiola helped evolve into a superstar during his time at the Spanish club.

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Echeverri made his debut with River’s first team 18 months ago and has been a consistent presence since.

His signing follows the conclusion of hearings regarding 130 allegations of Financial Fair Play violations against City by the Premier League.

A three-member panel that has been reviewing the evidence for the past three months will now evaluate the findings before issuing a report.

The earliest we can expect a conclusion is in the spring, although there are concerns it could extend into the following season.

The hearings commenced on September 16 at the International Dispute Resolution Centre in London, initially expected to last for ten weeks.

This timeline has been extended by approximately two weeks, but it is understood that closing statements were presented at the end of last week.

City, supported by Abu Dhabi, is also accused of failing to cooperate with the investigation that began in 2018 regarding their alleged FFP infractions.

If found guilty, they could face substantial point deductions that may lead to potential relegation.

Nevertheless, both parties will retain the right to appeal any ruling if they are unsatisfied, indicating that more months may pass before any disciplinary measures are implemented.

What will become of Man City?

MAN CITY kicked off the season as favorites to capture the Premier League title again – yet a considerable challenge looms that could jeopardize the Etihad club.

Sunsport’s MARTIN LIPTON explores the possible scenarios in the coming months with Head of Sport SHAUN CUSTIS…

Custis: So, the crucial question – will there be a resolution this season?

Lipton: Yes… likely! It will take at least a month to examine the evidence. Therefore, I expect a decision around March or April. That’s where things get tricky.

Custis: What’s the complication in that?

Lipton: If the ruling is in favor of City, that will conclude the matter. They will face no repercussions.

However, if City is found guilty, the consequences will be unprecedented regarding penalties imposed by the Premier League.

I believe that if they are judged to be guilty, it could lead to their expulsion from the league or significant point drops that would affect their ability to compete in the Premier League next season.

Check out the full discussion on Man City’s future.