Nicolas Otamendi Joins River Plate on 18-Month Contract Ahead of Final World Cup
After a successful tenure at Benfica, defender Nicolas Otamendi has officially made a significant move to River Plate, marking his return to his homeland. The announcement, made on a Friday, revealed that Otamendi completed his contract details which will see him remain with River Plate from July 1, 2026, until December 31, 2027. The signing ceremony took place in the presence of River Plate’s president, Stefano Di Carlo, emphasizing the importance of this acquisition for the club.
Otamendi, a celebrated World Cup champion from 2022, has joined the Millionarios on a free transfer. This decision comes after he opted not to renew his contract with Benfica, thereby concluding a remarkable six-season period at the Estádio da Luz. His final appearance for Benfica was a memorable 1-3 victory against Estoril, where he left the club boasting impressive stats: 281 appearances, 18 goals, and eight assists, in addition to clinching a national championship, a League Cup, and two Super Cups.
It is important to note Otamendi’s previous experience in Portugal, where he also played for FC Porto, accumulating a total of seven titles during his time with the rival club, including three league championships. Now, with his club future secured, Otamendi is setting his sights on the national team of Argentina, where he is poised to play a crucial role in bolstering the Albiceleste’s defensive line as they prepare for the later stages of the 2026 World Cup.
