Atletico Madrid and Sevilla ‘are both chasing Nicolas Otamendi’ in January deal after his role in Argentina’s World Cup winning campaign, with the Benfica defender set to be out of contract this summer
- Nicolas Otamendi was an important part of Argentina’s World Cup success
- No one played more minutes than the 34-year-old defender in the tournament
- Atletico Madrid and Sevilla are both looking to bring him in this January
- Otamendi’s contract with Primeira Liga leaders Benfica will be up this summer
Benfica’s Nicolas Otamendi could be headed back to La Liga, with both Sevilla and Atletico Madrid interested in the defender.
Otamendi was a key presence during Argentina’s recent World Cup win. He played 690 minutes in Qatar, the joint most alongside Josko Gvardiol and Lionel Messi, and was an important leader at the back.
The 34-year-old has spent the last two years at Benfica after leaving Manchester City, with the Eagles currently unbeaten and eight points clear at the top of the Primeira Liga after 13 games.
Nicolas Otamendi was a key part of Argentina’s World Cup victory in Qatar
No one played more minutes than the 34-year-old defender in the tournament
He could now be on the move again, as reports in Football Espana claim two of Spain’s biggest clubs are eyeing the defender.
They claim that Atleti boss Diego Simeone is keen to bring in an experienced central defender to calm his backline, with Sevilla also keen.
Otamendi may be available for a reasonable fee in January, as his contract in Portugal is up in the summer and he is believed to have rejected attempts at a renewal.
Atletico Madrid and Sevilla are chasing Otamendi, whose Benfica contract is up this summer
The former City man does have experience playing in Spain after an impressive season with Valencia in 2014-15 that preceded his £32 million move to the Etihad.
He is beginning to build an impressive trophy cabinet, with his Recent World Cup medal joining a Copa America, three Premier Leagues, three Portuguese titles and a Europa League.
Wherever Otamendi ends up, a player of his experience and temperament should be a solid, if ageing, addition to any dressing room.
