José Mourinho not planning to keep Nicolás Otamendi for 2026/27 | OneFootball

According to Glorioso 1904, José Mourinho does not plan to keep Nicolás Otamendi at Benfica for 2026/27, believing the Argentine centre-back’s cycle at the club is nearing its end. Mourinho and his staff are already shaping plans for next season.

The Special One aims to refresh the heart of Benfica’s defence, creating room for alternative options in line with the sporting plan for the new campaign.

The stance is not linked to Otamendi’s dismissal in the 2-2 draw with Famalicão, nor to any single recent incident. The assessment is broader, reflecting factors such as age and performance levels.

Institutionally, the matter remains open. The 38-year-old is still captain and an important figure, so any final decision on his future is expected to be discussed by all parties at the end of the season.

This season Otamendi, valued at 1 million euros, has made 48 appearances for Benfica, 29 in Liga Portugal Betclic, 14 in the Champions League, two in the Taça de Portugal, two in the Taça da Liga and one in the Supertaça. Across 4,224 minutes he has scored three goals.

Source: Glorioso 1904