Real Madrid: Could Nicolas Otamendi Be Pepe’s Replacement?
By Ben Sundock
As per usual, the rumors are swirling around the Spanish capital of Real Madrid signing a big name. And for the second time in two weeks, the reports are saying that Real Madrid are looking at a key player from Manchester City. And this time it’s defender Nicolas Otamendi who might be making a move to the Bernabéu.
Early today while speaking to the media, Otamendi’s agent, Martin Sendoa, said that his client, who is in his second season with Man City, “Pepe is leaving Real Madrid and Otamendi fits the profile they are looking for.”
“Jorge Mendes [Cristiano Ronaldo’s agent] is also managing Otamendi in Europe.” While this may not mean much in terms of the two teams reaching an agreement, it’s certainly a start. Otamendi is now 29 years-old and played for one season in Spain for Valencia in the 2014/2015 season. And reports are saying that not only Real Madrid have kept tabs on the Argentine defender, but FC Barcelona have also been intrigued by the defender and have been watching his performances closely.
While the rumors have been swirling around the football world, don’t be surprised if this deal either takes a long time to come to fruition or never happen at all, as Sendoa went on to say, “Nico is happy at Manchester City. But who wouldn’t like to play at Real Madrid? It’s the biggest club in the world.”
While Real Madrid hold out hope that Pepe will stay for one more season, all indications point to the 33 year-old to leave Spain for a lucrative deal in China, manager Zinedine Zidane has openly said that he hopes Pepe stays.
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Otamendi has struggled to get regular minutes under new manager Pep Guardiola, but the defender still has three more years on his current deal with Man City. When he has played, Otamendi has impressed, with 32 appearances in all competition, receiving an average match rating of 7.42 according to Whoscored.com. Averaging just over 2 tackles a game and just over 3 interceptions, Otamendi is an aggressive defender who isn’t afraid to move up the pitch. He also possess the speed and agility, resembling Raphael Varane, in his ability to track down an over the top ball or a quick attacker.
I’m skeptical as to whether the deal will ever happen but it is a plausible alternative to Pepe’s departure in the summer. However, I think the more plausible move for Los Blancos is to rely more on Nacho as the rotational defender and start both Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane.
Stay tuned for further updates on the Otamendi situation.