Otamendi contract talks: Latest on Benfica and the Argentine’s negotiations | OneFootball

The renewal of Nicolás Otamendi remains on the table, but there are other factors at play. According to what has been determined, the prospect of the captain staying at Benfica is losing strength, which in turn fuels the possibility that the number 30 could leave Luz this summer.

As reported by the newspaper Record in recent hours, the scenario of not renewing the contract is gaining momentum, at a time when the Argentine is going through a less successful phase in his time at Luz, which already spans six seasons, more than 250 games, and several national titles.

The same source explains that Benfica's SAD, led by Rui Costa, is already preparing a plan for Otamendi's departure, which involves betting on the duo of Tomás Araújo – 23 years old – and António Silva – 22 years old – starting in the new 2026/27 season. However, this could be brought forward, given the recent physical problems of the number 30.

The sports daily goes further and claims that Benfica may give up on renewing Nicolás Otamendi's contract due to the physical problems he has been experiencing. It should be noted that the captain was doubtful for the Clássico, and Record claims he has been playing under physical limitations, which does not favor his position at the negotiating table.

This season, playing for Benfica, Nicolás Otamendi – valued at 1 million euros – has already played a total of 43 official matches: 24 in Liga Portugal Betclic, 14 in the Champions League, two in the Portuguese Cup, two in the League Cup, and one in the Super Cup. In the 3,809 minutes he spent on the pitch, the Argentine scored three goals.

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