Otamendi gets surprise call from Argentina, Benfica future heats up | OneFootball

Nicolás Otamendi’s future remains shrouded in doubt and, in Argentina, the Benfica captain’s name has gained momentum again in recent hours. The Argentina international has been tipped as the ideal signing for River Plate by a historic figure in Argentine football. Oscar Ruggeri, the former centre-back who won the World Cup with Argentina in 1986, openly admitted that he would like to see the veteran wearing the Buenos Aires club’s shirt after the World Cup.

“I’d like Otamendi to come to River after the World Cup”, said the former Argentina international on an ESPN programme, making it clear that he sees the Benfica player as an important piece to strengthen the Argentine side.

Ruggeri went further and even spoke about what he considers to be River Plate’s priorities in the market. “After Otamendi, a No. 9. I like Mauro Icardi. That’s the one. I don’t care about the context of his life, the guy scores goals. River should put the money it would spend on six or seven players into two or three,” he added.

Otamendi’s contract with Benfica expires at the end of the season, and his name has constantly been linked with River Plate in recent times. The experienced centre-back continues to consider different possibilities for the future of his career and, according to a Glorioso exclusive, José Mourinho does not want to continue with the 38-year-old defender.

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