Official: Argentine international Nicolás Otamendi joins River Plate on a free transfer, signing a contract until December 2027.

River Plate officially announced on Saturday that Benfica centre-back Nicolás Otamendi will join them on a free transfer this summer. The two sides have signed a one-and-a-half-year contract, valid until December 31, 2027.

The 38-year-old Otamendi came through the youth academy of Vélez Sarsfield and made his professional debut for the first team in the Argentine Primera División on May 11, 2008. He subsequently played for Porto, Valencia, Atlético Mineiro, and Manchester City, winning one Europa League title, three Primeira Liga titles, one Portuguese Cup title, three Portuguese Super Cup titles, three Premier League titles, one FA Cup title, four League Cup titles, and two Community Shield titles.

In September 2020, Otamendi transferred from Manchester City to Benfica for €15 million. He has played for Benfica for six seasons so far, contributing 18 goals and 14 assists in 281 appearances across all competitions. His honors include one Portuguese league title, one Portuguese League Cup title, and two Portuguese Super Cup titles.

In a video released by River Plate, Otamendi excitedly stated: "As a River Plate fan, this is undoubtedly a dream come true. I can't wait to make my debut at the Monumental Stadium. I'm so happy to wear the River Plate jersey, it's gorgeous. I'm so thrilled."

“My family are all die-hard River Plate fans. You can imagine, I used to stay up all night to watch the games. Playing for the national team is one thing, playing for River Plate is another. It would be a fantastic experience.”

“I want to win all the games because that’s what the club requires of you. I’m here to contribute, help the team, and stay competitive on an individual level to make the club stronger.”

“I’ve always dreamed of this moment. To be able to represent River Plate, enjoy the passion of the fans, and experience a packed stadium.”

"Greetings to all River Plate fans. As a fan, wearing the red and white jersey would be one of the best things in my life. I promise to do my best to make the club even greater than it is now. I hope this will be the start of a wonderful journey."

After completing the transfer, Otamendi will focus entirely on the campaign to defend the 2026 World Cup title. As an indispensable defensive pillar of the Argentine national team, he has partnered with Messi to win one World Cup title (2022), two Copa America titles (2021, 2024), and one UEFA European Championship title (2022).

Image source: Internet/infobae