Nicolás Otamendi set to leave Benfica? Fresh updates on Barcelona interest | OneFootball

Nicolás Otamendi is not, after all, in Barcelona's plans for the next transfer window. According to CNN Portugal, the Catalan club has no interest in signing the experienced defender. This information contradicts recent reports suggesting a possible move for the number 30 to La Liga as early as January.

José Mourinho had already addressed the topic in the preview of the match against Braga, in the 16th round of Liga Portugal Betclic: "I am not afraid at all. He hasn't told me anything, hasn't commented on anything, the President, Mário Branco, Simão Sabrosa, no one has told me anything about Otamendi leaving."

The Argentine international's contract ends at the end of the current season. Despite being 37 years old, the center-back remains a crucial part of the Eagles' defensive strategy. The club's management acknowledges the player's importance both in the locker room and on the field, maintaining confidence in his leadership abilities.

The most likely scenario for the future involves a return to his homeland. The World Cup champion has never hidden his desire to play for River Plate, a club he is a confessed fan of. Thus, the farewell to Estádio da Luz might only happen in the summer, heading towards South American football to conclude his career.

This season, wearing Benfica's jersey, Nicolás Otamendi - valued at 1 million euros – played 28 games: 14 in Liga Portugal Betclic, 10 in the UEFA Champions League, two in the Taça de Portugal, one in the Supertaça, and one in the Taça da Liga. In the 2,520 minutes he was on the field, the defender scored two goals.

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