Mourinho pushes for Benfica veteran’s contract renewal amid Barcelona links – report | OneFootball

Barcelona’s search for defensive solutions has begun to ripple across Europe, and one of the first reactions has come from Portugal. 

According to a recent report from A Bola, Jose Mourinho has personally stepped in after learning of FC Barcelona’s interest in Nicolas Otamendi. 

The Portuguese coach has urged Benfica to move quickly and secure the Argentine defender’s future with a contract renewal.

The report suggests that Mourinho and Benfica president Rui Costa are fully aligned on the issue. 

Both believe that Otamendi remains far too important to lose, especially to a direct European rival like Barcelona. 

As a result, Benfica are preparing to offer the experienced defender a new deal aimed at shutting down any potential move to Spain.

Roadblock for Barcelona

Barcelona’s interest did not emerge out of nowhere. In recent days, it became known that following Andreas Christensen’s injury, Barça have been carefully studying the market for short-term and medium-term defensive solutions. 

Benfica do not want to lose Otamendi. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)

Rather than chasing a long list of names, the club has focused on players who could offer immediate reliability and leadership. In that context, Otamendi quickly stood out as a realistic and attractive option.

Despite being in the later stages of his career, Otamendi remains a central figure at Benfica. 

He is under contract until 2026, wears the captain’s armband, and continues to feature regularly at the heart of the defence. 

Otamendi still going strong

Age has not diminished his value in the eyes of the coaching staff. On the contrary, Otamendi’s consistency this season has earned repeated praise from Mourinho several times this season. 

Furthermore, personal factors also weigh heavily in Otamendi’s thinking. He and his family are settled in Lisbon and feel comfortable both at the club and in Portugal. 

Looking ahead, the defender remains focused on extending his career at the top level, with the next World Cup firmly in his plans. 

What comes after that tournament is still undecided, but remaining at Benfica remains a very real option.