‘The Future of Madrid’
Nico Paz’s stock has soared since his transfer to Como, paving the way for his anticipated return to Real Madrid next summer. His loan to the Italian club has become one of the most fruitful in recent times, and Real Madrid is poised to benefit from Paz’s growth at Como. The skillful midfielder made a significant impact last season, and he has continued to impress during this campaign with the Lombardy club.
Despite Como’s substantial investment since their promotion to Serie A, Cesc Fàbregas deserves considerable praise for their success and for instilling an attractive playing style. Paz has been pivotal to their achievements this season, helping them secure a position in the European spots, just six points behind league leaders Roma. The 21-year-old has notched five goals and provided four assists in Serie A this term, making him the midfielder with the highest goal contributions in the top five European leagues.
Real Madrid’s Strategy for Nico Paz
It is well-known that Madrid included a favorable buy-back clause when they sold Paz to Como, which was essentially a condition for agreeing to the transfer. His time in Lombardy is, in effect, a loan, and former Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti once remarked that Paz represents ‘the future of Madrid.’ Reports indicate that Madrid holds an option to re-sign Paz for €9 million this summer, with this amount increasing by €1 million each subsequent summer until 2027—Paz’s contract with Como runs until 2028. However, it has been widely suggested that Madrid will exercise this option next summer, bringing Paz back to the Santiago Bernabéu.
Paz has admitted that returning to Madrid is his dream, and the club is thrilled with his undeniable progress at Como. Sources from Transfermarkt suggest that Madrid intends to activate their buy-back clause next summer and may even offer Como slightly more than the €10 million option to facilitate Paz’s continued development. While Como values Paz at approximately €70 million, this figure is largely irrelevant since Madrid can simply buy him back instead of permitting a sale. Tottenham showed strong interest last summer and reportedly made a €60 million bid for the midfielder, but Madrid’s strategy effectively quashed any potential deal.
Assessing Nico Paz’s Talent
Born in Tenerife, Paz chose to represent Argentina rather than Spain and celebrated his talent at Como with an international debut in October. The exceptionally gifted young player caught attention when he scored for Madrid against Napoli in the Champions League shortly after his 19th birthday in 2023, but it is in Italy that he has truly established his reputation against the stunning backdrop of the Alps and Lake Como. Over six feet tall, the Argentina international combines his impressive physical presence with an elegance that makes him both effective and a joy to watch.
There are areas where Paz can improve, particularly his weaker right foot and his final product. Fortunately, he is learning under the perfect mentor in Como head coach Cesc Fàbregas. Paz’s ideal position remains to be determined, as he is highly versatile and can adapt to various roles. However, Fàbregas has primarily utilized him as the creative linchpin in an attacking midfield position within his favored 4-2-3-1 formation. Statistics indicate that his attacking output ranks among the best for midfielders in the top five leagues last season, highlighted by an impressive performance against Lazio. After the match, Fàbregas expressed his calm demeanor regarding Paz’s future at Como, underscoring Madrid’s influence. “I’m very calm and relaxed,” Paz remarked. “He’s a top, top player.”
