While the name of Nicolás Otamendi had been circulating in recent days as a potential defensive reinforcement for FC Barcelona this winter, CNN Portugal has put a firm stop to all speculation.
According to the Portuguese outlet, Barça never made an offer, never opened talks, and never showed any interest in the Benfica defender. In short: no concrete move, nothing at all. On their side, the Lisbon club remains completely calm, as Otamendi is under contract until the end of the season.
Mourinho dismisses any concern around Otamendi
Even José Mourinho, Benfica’s head coach, played down the situation during a press conference, saying he is not worried at all about a potential departure of his captain. “I have absolutely no concerns. Neither the president, nor Mário Branco, nor Simão Sabrosa has spoken to me about Otamendi leaving. I have no reason to worry,” the Portuguese coach stated.
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Meanwhile at Barcelona, the defensive crisis is very real. The Catalan club is entering the winter transfer window in a delicate situation at the back. Andreas Christensen is sidelined for several months with a serious injury, and Ronald Araújo has been out since late November.
As a result, Hansi Flick has had to improvise. Since the heavy 3–0 defeat in London against Chelsea, the pairing of Pau Cubarsí and Gerard Martín has started the last seven matches in La Liga and the Champions League. They have performed decently so far, with Cubarsí impressing and Gerard Martín adapting well to his new role. Still, these internal solutions are not enough to fully ease concerns. Barça know reinforcements are needed, but must proceed cautiously due to strict financial fair play constraints, while Flick continues to rely on his youngsters and keeps Eric Garcia as a defensive joker.
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