Otamendi informs Mourinho he will not renew at Benfica | OneFootball

Hours before Estoril v Benfica, Nicolás Otamendi has told José Mourinho he will not renew his contract.

A Bola reports that the Argentina international will return to his homeland after the 2026 World Cup, with River Plate the most likely destination. The move would fulfil a long-held wish and his emotional bond with the Buenos Aires club.

Otamendi will leave Benfica after several seasons of major influence on and off the pitch. Since joining from Manchester City, he has made 280 official appearances, almost all as a starter, scoring 18 goals and adding eight assists.

The captain has won four trophies with Benfica, among them one league title, two Supertaças Cândido de Oliveira and one Taça da Liga. His leadership and experience have made him a leading figure in the dressing room.

His exit means the SAD led by Rui Costa must find a solution at centre-back. José Mourinho has recently underlined the Argentine’s importance and accepted that Benfica must go into the market for a capable replacement.

Benfica visit Estoril on Saturday 16 May for the 34th and final round of the Liga Portugal Betclic. The match at Estádio António Coimbra da Mota kicks off at 20:30 against Ian Cathro’s side.

Source: Glorioso 1904