Overview
- Multiple Argentine outlets reported on Thursday that Nicolás Otamendi has a verbal agreement with River Plate and that the club expects to sign him to a roughly 18-month deal that would run through December 2027.
- Benfica confirmed this week that Otamendi has left the club after six seasons and issued a public thank-you while coach José Mourinho said the player can choose his next step.
- River plans for the move to take effect after Otamendi’s participation in the 2026 World Cup, though sources say a precontract could be signed before the tournament begins.
- The 38-year-old is expected to arrive as a starter and senior leader, joining several other World Cup winners already at River and adding experience to Eduardo Coudet’s first transfer window.
- The agreement is not yet formal: the deal still requires signed documents and official club announcements, and its completion will be the key development to watch for fans and River’s midseason plans.