Vélez Sarsfield has been linked with a possible signing of Benfica captain Nicolás Otamendi for next season, as his contract is nearing its end. The Buenos Aires club is a direct rival of River Plate in the national arena. O Jogo reports that the Argentine international, who will leave the national team after the World Cup, has not yet decided on his next step. Benfica is not willing to wait for a resolution and has already begun to explore options for the central defense position. Among the candidates being evaluated, the Viery profile is highly valued. This season, Otamendi has played 47 official matches with Benfica: 28 in the Liga Portugal Betclic, 14 in the Champions League, two in the Taça de Portugal, two in the Taça da Liga, and one in the Supertaça. In a total of 4,169 minutes on the field, he has scored three goals. He is valued at 1 million euros. The Buenos Aires club aims to strengthen its defense and believes that Otamendi is an excellent option. The Argentine defender has demonstrated his value in Benfica and could be a great acquisition for Vélez Sarsfield. The club is willing to do everything possible to sign Otamendi and strengthen its defense.