Alert, Benfica! With Estoril trip in mind, Otamendi weighs big call | OneFootball

Nicolás Otamendi is getting closer and closer to bringing his spell with Benfica to an end. The Argentine centre-back, whose contract expires at the end of the season, has reportedly already informed the Eagles’ board that he does not intend to renew, and is therefore preparing to play his last match wearing the Benfica shirt in the away game against Estoril.

According to the newspaper 'Record', the Argentine international has his future lined up with River Plate, a club he has greatly admired for several years. After taking part in the 2026 World Cup, where Argentina will defend the title won in Qatar, Otamendi is expected to return to his homeland to fulfil his desire of representing the Buenos Aires side.

River Plate’s interest in Benfica’s captain is not new, and is now gaining even more momentum at a time when the Argentine club is going through a financially stable period. The possibility of bringing Otamendi together with other Argentine world champions, such as Acuña, Montiel and Germán Pezzella, is seen as an important objective by the people in charge of the South American club.

Despite Benfica’s intention to extend the deal for one more season, negotiations did not move forward. Still according to the same source, Benfica were willing to renew with the 38-year-old centre-back, although with a salary reduction, something that did not convince the player, who is currently among the highest-paid members of the squad.

Signed in 2020, Otamendi has become one of Benfica’s leading figures in recent years. While playing for the Eagles, he won one national league title, one League Cup and two Cândido de Oliveira Super Cups. .

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