Manchester City sign Argentina Under-20 star Maximo Perrone from Velez Sarsfield

Manchester City have signed Argentina Under-20 international Maximo Perrone from Velez Sarsfield on a long-term contract.

Perrone has agreed terms until 2028 with the Premier League champions after a breakthrough season with the Buenos Aires club.

The 20-year-old helped Velez reach the semi-finals of the Copa Libertadores, South America’s equivalent of the Champions League, last season.

But he was injured for the two-legged clash as they were beaten by Brazilian side Flamengo.

Perrone made his first-team debut in March 2022 and went on to notch three goals and two assists from a defensive midfield position in 33 appearances.

A former Argentina Under-16 international, Perrone was named in his country’s squad for the Under-20 South American Championship this month.

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He started – and scored – in Argentina’s opening group game against Paraguay, but the Albiceleste lost 2-1.

Perrone and his team-mates now face Brazil, Peru and hosts Colombia over the next few days as they look to progress from the group stage.

City said that the youngster will join up with Pep Guardiola’s squad once his involvement at the tournament is over.