Nicolás Otamendi signing contract with River Plate football club
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Nicolás Otamendi signs with River Plate until December 2027

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Nicolás Otamendi signed his contract with River Plate on Friday. The 38-year-old defender will join the team from July 1, 2026, after the World Cup.

The world champion defender sealed his link with River Plate until December 31, 2027. The signing took place in the presidential office at the Monumental alongside president Stefano Di Carlo.

Otamendi arrives as a free agent after his time at Benfica, where he served as captain. He will return to Argentine football after 16 years, since his spell at Vélez before moving to Europe in 2010.

With this addition, Eduardo Coudet's squad will have five world champions from Qatar. Otamendi joins Franco Armani, Germán Pezzella, Marcos Acuña and Gonzalo Montiel.

Argentina will play the 2026 World Cup with Otamendi in the squad. The team debuts on June 16 against Algeria in Kansas.

What people are saying

Initial reactions on X show excitement from River fans welcoming a World Cup champion and lifelong supporter, with some highlighting free transfer value and leadership; others express skepticism over his age, speed, and fit for long-term defensive needs, calling it short-term or repetitive club error.

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