River Plate has officially acquired Nicolas Otamendi, a World Cup champion defender, from Benfica in Portugal on a free transfer. The 38-year-old has inked a deal with the Argentine club that extends until December 2027, as confirmed by a statement on River Plate’s website.
Nicolas Otamendi expressed his excitement, stating, “Arriving at the club I support is a dream come true. I waited a long time for this opportunity,” in a video shared by River. Otamendi, who previously played for Benfica, Manchester City, Valencia, Porto, Atletico Mineiro, and Velez Sarsfield, has 130 caps for Argentina and was part of the 2022 World Cup-winning squad.
The defender’s move to River Plate comes after his selection in Argentina’s squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Otamendi is set to join Tottenham Hotspur’s Cristian Romero in Argentina’s defense as they begin their title defense in Group J against Algeria, Austria, and Jordan. Additionally, Otamendi will reunite with his World Cup-winning teammates at River Plate, enhancing the squad’s international experience.
