Mourinho pushes for Benfica veteran’s contract renewal amid Barcelona links – report

Barcelona’s seek for defensive options has begun to ripple throughout Europe, and one of many first reactions has come from Portugal.

Based on a latest report from A Bola, Jose Mourinho has personally stepped in after studying of FC Barcelona’s curiosity in Nicolas Otamendi.

The Portuguese coach has urged Benfica to maneuver rapidly and safe the Argentine defender’s future with a contract renewal.

The report means that Mourinho and Benfica president Rui Costa are totally aligned on the difficulty.

Each imagine that Otamendi stays far too essential to lose, particularly to a direct European rival like Barcelona.

In consequence, Benfica are making ready to supply the skilled defender a brand new deal aimed toward shutting down any potential transfer to Spain.

Roadblock for Barcelona

Barcelona’s curiosity didn’t emerge out of nowhere. In latest days, it grew to become recognized that following Andreas Christensen’s damage, Barça have been rigorously finding out the marketplace for short-term and medium-term defensive options.

Quite than chasing an extended listing of names, the membership has centered on gamers who may supply instant reliability and management. In that context, Otamendi rapidly stood out as a sensible and engaging choice.

Regardless of being within the later levels of his profession, Otamendi stays a central determine at Benfica.

He’s underneath contract till 2026, wears the captain’s armband, and continues to characteristic repeatedly on the coronary heart of the defence.

Otamendi nonetheless going sturdy

Age has not diminished his worth within the eyes of the teaching employees. Quite the opposite, Otamendi’s consistency this season has earned repeated reward from Mourinho a number of occasions this season.

Moreover, private components additionally weigh closely in Otamendi’s considering. He and his household are settled in Lisbon and really feel comfy each on the membership and in Portugal.

Wanting forward, the defender stays centered on extending his profession on the high stage, with the subsequent World Cup firmly in his plans.

What comes after that event continues to be undecided, however remaining at Benfica stays a really actual choice.