Sevilla and Atletico Madrid race for Otamendi

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Sevilla and Atletico Madrid are competing for the World Cup winner in order to strengthen their defense.

Sevilla and Atletico Madrid are interested in signing Nicolas Otamendi in January

Neither Sevilla nor Atletico Madrid have had a successful first half of the season. Both teams have been unable to rely on strong defense. Thus this has been a hallmark of their best play in recent years.

As a result, Jorge Sampaoli is seeking an experienced leader to marshal his defense. Sampaoli will turn to World Cup winner Nicolas Otamendi in this case.

The 34-year-old is currently on loan at Benfica and is doing well. But his contract expires at the end of the summer. According to Todofichajes, Benfica will let Otamendi leave for a small fee this January after rejecting several renewal offers.

Sampaoli knows Otamendi from his time as manager of the Albiceleste, and he appears to be an ideal fit for Sevilla’s shaky defense. Another Argentine coach, however, is said to be interested in Otamendi. He is not the only defender Simeone is interested in, but Otamendi appears to be the most likely.

Diego Simeone is looking for a new central defender this winter after struggling to put together a solid defense. Felipe is expected to leave, leaving Los Colchoneros with only three natural candidates for the position. He’d have a tough fighter in the backline in Otamendi.

In theory, Atletico Madrid can offer Otamendi a higher level of competition and more money, but Sampaoli may convince Otamendi that he is a sure starter and the leader of his defense.

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