Here we go again. Every few months, the rumour mill in Argentina drags Walter Benítez back across the Atlantic.
This time, River Plate want the Crystal Palace goalkeeper. Reports from South America claim the Buenos Aires giants are lining up a January swoop to make the 33-year-old their undisputed number one for 2027.
River want to stack their squad with seasoned Argentina internationals, having already brought back big names like Nicolás Otamendi, Thiago Almada, and Ángel Correa. They view Benítez as the ideal successor to Santiago Beltrán, who might be heading out the exit door soon.
Limited Minutes Fuel the Fire
You can easily understand why Argentine clubs keep sniffing around. Benítez has managed only nine official appearances since joining Palace, conceding seven goals and keeping four clean sheets. Sitting on the bench week in, week out naturally keeps the exit door propped wide open.
Boca Juniors chased him earlier this year, and River already kept him on a previous shortlist. Now, they are sizing him up again alongside a backup cast of alternative targets like Nahuel Losada, Gerónimo Rulli, and Sergio Rochet.
Will Anything Actually Happen?
Before anyone at Selhurst Park starts panicking, keep one crucial detail in mind: River’s directors have not actually made contact with Crystal Palace yet. Right now, this remains pure speculation.
We have lived through this exact movie before. Big Argentine clubs constantly circle Benítez, whisper about moves, and ultimately walk away with nothing.
River certainly hold a trump card this time by offering him guaranteed first-team football, something Benítez desperately needs. Whether that temptation finally drags him back to South America in January remains to be seen. Palace fans know the drill by now—until a formal bid lands on the desk, take this one with a hefty pinch of salt.
