Crystal Palace goalkeeper Walter Benítez is once again being linked with a return to Argentina. It happens fairly regularly, but this time River Plate are the club looking in his direction once again.
The 33-year-old has been linked with an exit at various points over the past season. His limited minutes in England have kept that door open.
Now El Crack Deportivo says River want to convince Benítez to join them in January and become their first-choice goalkeeper in 2027. That comes months after Boca Juniors were also being linked with him.
River want him as their No.1
River’s interest is presented as part of their push to bring established Argentina internationals back home. They have already added Nicolás Otamendi, Thiago Almada and Ángel Correa.
The idea would be for Benítez to replace Santiago Beltrán – who might leave soon – and arrive as a starter.
And there is an important caveat here. El Crack Deportivo says it remains to be seen whether River’s directors actually contact Benítez.
So this is an interest story at this stage, with no suggestion of talks with Crystal Palace.
River are also considering other goalkeepers. Nahuel Losada, Gerónimo Rulli and Sergio Rochet are named as alternatives.
Benítez has made only nine official appearances for Palace. He has conceded seven goals and kept four clean sheets. Those limited opportunities are an obvious reason why clubs back home may believe there is a deal to explore.
We’ve been here before
The interesting part for Crystal Palace is how regularly this keeps happening with Benítez.
Big Argentine clubs have looked towards him at different points, only for nothing to come of it. Boca are doing so again now, and River already had his name on their shortlist.
River at least appear to have a clear role to offer now. They want a goalkeeper to arrive and play, while Benítez has struggled for regular minutes at Palace.
Whether that is finally enough to turn one of these Argentine links into an actual transfer is the next question. We’ve heard versions of this story plenty of times before. Let’s see if River can make this one go any further.
