Benfica confirm Otamendi exit, River already bid: details | OneFootball

The Nicolás Otamendi and River saga added a hugely important chapter as the story heads toward its conclusion. Benfica, the defender’s club, confirmed his departure on a free transfer after the Argentine decided that, following six years with the Portuguese side, he will not renew his contract, which expires next June 30. River, who have been monitoring the situation for months, offered the World Cup winner a one-and-a-half-year deal and are awaiting a response once the Club World Cup ends, though they are confident it will be positive.

“Otamendi was always an example of passion, dedication, competitiveness, leadership and professionalism, contributing decisively to the conquest of four titles. You will always be part of our family, and this will always be your home. Thank you, captain,” reads the statement from the Portuguese club bidding farewell to the General.

It is worth noting that Otamendi’s departure is solely the player’s decision, as he had a good year in which he was indispensable for José Mourinho, playing 46 matches this season, being directly involved in seven goals and lifting the Portuguese Super Cup. In total, he wore the Eagles’ red shirt 281 times and scored 18 goals.

Moreover, Mourinho himself confirmed that they tried to keep him, but respected the defender’s wishes: “There are people who have the right to choose their future because of everything they have built in football, and Otamendi is one of them. It will be his decision whether he returns to Argentina and River Plate or continues at Benfica. Everything is in his hands.”

The team managed by Eduardo Coudet was not the only one interested in the former Vélez player’s services, as he also had offers to play for Valencia and in Saudi Arabian football. Otamendi’s dream of wearing the red sash across his chest would weigh more than Saudi money and tip the balance.

In this way, River would add a fifth World Cup winner to the squad and Argentine football would reach a total of seven, while on the other side of the divide they are hoping Paulo Dybala will be the eighth.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.