Bombshell: Vélez wants to bring Nicolás Otamendi back after the Club World Cup.

Nicolás Otamendi has not yet decided on his future at Benfica, a club with which he has a contract until June 30. Although he is currently focused on the Club World Cup, where he will share a group with Bayern Munich, Boca, and Auckland City, the management of the Portuguese team has already presented him with a contract renewal offer.

During all this time, the world champion defender and two-time Copa América winner with the Argentina National Team tried to secure a move to River, a club he openly supports. Nevertheless, those at Núñez never seriously pursued him, nor was he a priority for Marcelo Gallardo when he was coach. However, in recent hours, another interested party has emerged from Argentine soccer: Vélez Sarsfield.

Con el mellizo a la cabeza, Veléz ya se contactó con el defensor

According to TyC Sports, the club from Liniers contacted Otamendi "to see if he has the desire to play in the country and once again wear the jersey of the club that developed him as a footballer and with which he made his First Division debut back in 2007."

With the aim of strengthening the squad ahead of the decisive phase of the Copa Libertadores, where they will face Fortaleza in the round of 16, Guillermo Barros Schelotto expects President Fabián Berlanga to fulfill his requests. In fact, the coach has already spoken with Esteban Andrada, whom he managed during his time at Boca.

Guillermo quiere que Berlanga le cumpla con sus pedidos

Despite Vélez's interest, those close to the defender made it clear: his intention is to remain in Europe, where he is in talks with Benfica to extend his contract for one or two more seasons.

What about River?

Otamendi has not yet formally replied to Benfica's offer, so it is not known whether he will become a free agent after the end of this season. Even so, at River there no longer seems to be the same enthusiasm as in previous cycles to sign him as a reinforcement. The recent additions of Germán Pezzella and Lucas Martínez Quarta, along with the continued presence of Paulo Díaz and Leandro González Pírez, have secured the center-back position.

River ya tiene demasiadas variantes en la zaga central

In addition, the fact that his possible move to River never materialized in the past did not sit well with part of the management or with some fans, and that wear and tear, combined with his age, has likely removed him from River's radar for good.