Nicolás Otamendi signs for River Plate after ending European stint | OneFootball

Nicolás Otamendi has signed for River Plate, ending his long stint in Europe. The club confirmed a contract to 31 December 2027, with the 38-year-old joining after Argentina’s 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

His career has taken in Porto, Valencia, Manchester City and Benfica, bringing trophies and a senior role with Argentina. After leaving the Lisbon club, he returns to the team he has long supported for a final challenge.

River’s coup continues a rebuild aimed at competing on all fronts. He becomes the fifth Qatar 2022 world champion in Eduardo “Chacho” Coudet’s squad, alongside Franco Armani, Gonzalo Montiel, Germán Pezzella and Marcos Acuña, placing them among South America’s leading contenders.

He signed the deal with president Stefano Di Carlo at the Monumental. A Vélez Sarsfield academy graduate, he has long wanted to wear River’s shirt before retiring.

At Valencia, he anchored one of Mestalla’s best defensive seasons of the past decade. Signed in 2014, he led Nuno Espírito Santo’s backline, played 38 games and scored six before a lucrative move to Manchester City.

The move aligns with Pablo Longoria’s plan as River’s football chief, prioritising experience and leadership. Otamendi has hinted the 2026 World Cup could be his last major tournament with Argentina. River target renewed continental prominence, including the Copa Sudamericana, and his authority could be decisive after a strong group phase.

Source: Superdeporte