River Plate showed interest in Nicolás Otamendi. The Argentine central defender commented on this possibility. However, he ended up renewing his contract with Benfica for two more seasons.

Nicolás Otamendi mentioned that returning to Argentina, specifically to River Plate, is a very complicated scenario due to the lack of security in the country. He received a proposal to play for River Plate recently, which he refused. He also discussed the possibility with the president, who insisted that he could go to River Plate, but Otamendi decided against it for his family's safety and because he had renewed his contract with Benfica.

Otamendi is being considered by River Plate as an alternative for their defense if the signing of Germán Pezzella fails.

Ariel Ortega, a former international Argentine midfielder and idol of River Plate, advises the club to attempt to sign Nicolás Otamendi, a 36-year-old center-back who has one more year on his contract with Benfica. Otamendi is currently playing very well for Benfica and is considered a key player by coach Roger Schmidt.