Real Madrid are set to exercise their repurchase clause for Como midfielder Nico Paz, according to reports from Italy. The Spanish club will reportedly pay €10 million to bring the 20-year-old Argentinian back to the Santiago Bernabéu, a clause valid until June 30th. Paz arrived at Como last summer and quickly became a key player, inheriting the number 10 shirt previously worn by departing forward Patrick Cutrone.
Paz’s rapid development in Serie A, coupled with a debut goal for the Argentinian national team and a pre-call-up for the World Cup, has significantly increased his market value. Real Madrid initially opted to leave Paz at Como to further his development under coach Cesc Fabregas, a decision that appears to have paid off. The club now faces a decision whether to integrate him into the first team amidst a period of rebuilding or to capitalize on interest from other European clubs, including Inter, by selling him for a substantial profit.
Fabregas himself expressed his belief that another year at Como would benefit Paz’s continued growth, highlighting the strong relationship between the player, his father, and the coach. However, the final decision rests with Real Madrid. Como’s ownership group, known for proactive transfer strategy, are already identifying potential replacements.
Among the players being considered is Cesar Palacios, a Spanish midfielder also of Real Madrid’s youth system. Like Paz, Palacios is a 2004 birth year, known for his close control, quick turning ability, and vision. Other options include Chuki, a forward from Valladolid with seven goals and eight assists in Segunda Division, and Fares Chaibi of Eintracht Frankfurt, a Franco-Algerian midfielder with nine assists in the Bundesliga. Como are preparing to act swiftly to fill the void left by Paz’s expected departure.
