Former Manchester City Man Could Exit Benfica This Summer

Nicolás Otamendi, a crucial figure for Benfica, could leave the club at the end of the season.

The former Manchester City defender and World Cup winner has been a key figure for the club and country this season, but it appears that this could be coming to an end. The central defender, whose contract is expiring, openly expressed his love for River Plate and highlighted the excellent relationship he enjoys with the Argentine club’s management.

“There are only two steps left in the Libertadores [River Plate will face Brazilian side Atlético Mineiro in the semi-finals]. The competition’s games are played very late here in Portugal, and the other day I arrived half asleep for training, but since it was a recovery day, there was no problem,” Otamendi told ESPN.

Despite his strong connections to River Plate, Otamendi remains focused on his current commitments with Benfica. “You never know, but I still have this season’s contract with Benfica. Out of respect for the club, I’m always focused here, and when my contract ends, we’ll see what my future will be,” said the defender, whose contract with the Portuguese club runs until the end of the season.

“I don’t want to create any illusions for the people at River. They know I’m a fan of the club and I watch all the games. I also have a very good relationship with the directors, but the truth is we don’t know. God will tell what will happen after my contract ends,” Otamendi added, concluding on an uncertain note about his future.

Otamendi began his professional career with Vélez Sarsfield, an Argentine club where he made his debut in 2008. Known for his tough-tackling and composed defensive style, he quickly made a name for himself, helping Vélez to the Clausura title in 2009. His performances caught the attention of European clubs, and in 2010, he made the move to FC Porto in Portugal.

During his time at Porto, Otamendi became an integral part of the team that won the Primeira Liga three times (2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13), as well as the UEFA Europa League in 2011. His defensive prowess helped Porto dominate Portuguese football, and by 2014, he made a big-money move to Valencia in Spain. After an impressive season in La Liga, Otamendi transferred to Manchester City in 2015, where he enjoyed tremendous success.

At City, Otamendi became a key player under Pep Guardiola, winning two Premier League titles (2017-18, 2018-19), the FA Cup in 2019, and four League Cups. In 2020, Otamendi returned to Portugal, signing with Benfica, where he has since been a central figure in their defence. On the international stage, Otamendi has had a stellar career with Argentina, winning the Copa América in 2021 and, most notably, the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where he was a vital part of the squad’s success.

This season, Otamendi has been an integral part of Benfica’s squad. He has played eight matches—six in Liga Portugal Betclic and two in the Champions League. Over 635 minutes on the pitch, he has scored one goal (against Gil Vicente) and provided two assists (against Santa Clara and Gil Vicente).

Site Opinion

Nicolás Otamendi’s potential departure from Benfica at the end of the season raises an intriguing question about loyalty in football and the pull of home. Otamendi’s love for River Plate isn’t a secret—he’s spoken candidly about watching their games and even mentioned nearly nodding off in training after a late-night Libertadores match. For a player with his pedigree, having been a crucial figure for Benfica and captaining Argentina to World Cup glory, it’s understandable that he’d feel the tug of his boyhood club, especially as his career edges closer to its twilight years. River Plate is on the verge of something special in the Libertadores, and it’s no surprise that Otamendi, at this stage, might be tempted to finish his career where it all began, surrounded by the fans who have adored him since day one.

But as much as Otamendi’s love for River Plate is undeniable, his respect for Benfica is equally clear. He’s been a stalwart in their defence and remains committed to finishing the season with full focus. It’s refreshing to hear a player speak so openly about the uncertainties of his future without playing to the media or making empty promises. Benfica fans might be worried about losing such an experienced leader, but in Otamendi’s case, there’s something comforting about his transparency. Whether he stays or goes, it seems like a win-win situation for Otamendi. He’ll either remain at one of Europe’s top clubs or return to the place that holds his heart. Either way, he’ll make the move with integrity, something you don’t always see in the modern game.


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