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Otamendi to Join River After World Cup

Eduardo Coudet personally phoned the defender and convinced the lifelong River fan to sign, with the club set to present him after Argentina’s 2026 World Cup campaign.

Overview

  • Nicolás Otamendi confirmed his move from Benfica to River and will officially join the club once his participation in the 2026 World Cup concludes.
  • Otamendi told reporters that coach Eduardo Coudet called him soon after taking the job and that the coach’s support was decisive in his choice to return.
  • The 38-year-old arrives as a high-profile signing with a long European career and major international honours for Argentina, including the 2022 World Cup and two Copa América titles.
  • River has also opened informal talks to explore the repatriation of Facundo Medina, but those contacts remain preliminary and no formal offer has been made.
  • Medina’s recent consolidation at Olympique de Marseille and the possibility that World Cup performances will raise his market value are the main obstacles to a quick transfer and will shape River’s next steps.