Nico Paz: Real Madrid major transfer factor amid Como brilliance

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Mentored by Fabregas 

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Nico Paz has undoubtedly been one of the breakout stars of the Serie A season and his extraordinary potential means he’s destined for an incredible future. His standout performances for Como have highlighted why Real Madrid were so reluctant to sell last summer but the Champions League holders have protected their decision with an advantageous buy-back option.

Born in Tenerife, Paz has opted to represent Argentina over Spain and the 20-year-old was rewarded for his excellence at Como with his international debut in October. The prodigiously talented starlet garnered attention when he scored for Madrid against Napoli in the Champions League just weeks after his 19th birthday in 2023 but it’s in Italy that he’s truly forged his reputation amid the picturesque backdrop of the Alps and Lake Como.

Nico Paz: A future superstar honed at Como

The decision to join Como has unquestionably been beneficial to Paz’s development and he will reap the rewards in the future. Despite the newly-promoted side being engulfed in a relegation battle, Paz’s talent has been conspicuous. The Argentina international stands at over 6ft but he perfectly balances his impressive physicality with an elegance that makes him extremely effective and a delight to watch. There’s naturally areas for Paz to improve – his weaker right-foot and final product – but he’s also learning under the perfect mentor in Como head coach Cesc Fàbregas.

Paz is in contention to be named Serie A’s young footballer of the year and Transfermarkt’s Italian football expert Jatin Dietl has provided a glowing report. “His impact at Como has been outstanding, and he is certainly one of the biggest breakout players in the league,” Dietl said. “He has a tall stature, allowing him to battle against any opponent while still being agile and fast. His dynamism is his greatest strength. He never asks for the ball while standing still but constantly moves to receive it. Once in possession, he excels at making dangerous offensive runs and creating chances for teammates with precise passes. He has excellent vision, though he could be more clinical in front of goal.”

The numbers behind Nico Paz’s brilliant season at Como

Paz’s best position has yet to be determined as he’s incredibly versatile and can play in a variety of roles. Fabregas, however, has almost exclusively utilised him as the creative fulcrum in an attacking midfield role in his preferred 4-2-3-1 role. And Paz’s attacking numbers are excellent – he’s been directly involved in one third (9) of Como’s 27 games this season. Paz has five goals and four assists in 21 Serie A games this season and only three midfielders have provided more goal contributions across the top five leagues this season.

That statistic is even more impressive when you factor in that it’s Paz’s maiden full season in professional football, in a new league and the players above him are Jude Bellingham, Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala. The aforementioned players all have market values at €140 million or higher with Paz currently valued at €20m – although that’s destined to increase. Paz’s market value has already doubled since moving to Como – who deserve immense credit for nurturing his potential – and he’s now the third most valuable U21 player in Italy. Paz’s natural ability and development indicate he could become one of the best midfielder players in the world in the next five years – if he continues to fulfil his potential.

Will Real Madrid exercise their Nico Paz buy-back option?

It’s no secret that Madrid inserted a favourable buy-back clause in the deal to sell Paz to Como and it was essentially a prerequisite to the Spanish giants agreeing to his departure. To many, Paz’s spell in the Lombardy region is effectively a loan spell and Carlo Ancelotti recently admitted the talented midfielder represents ‘the future of Madrid’. It’s understood that Mardid possess an option to re-sign Paz for €9 million this summer and that increases incrementally by €1m every summer until 2027 – his Como contract expires in 2028.

Paz has confessed that it remains his dream to return to the Spanish capital and Dietl believes it’s unlikely he will be playing for Cesc Fabregas’ side next season. “Como tried to buy back his clause in winter, but Real rejected the offer,” Dietl added. “A decision will likely be made in the summer on whether he will return to Madrid for next season. Inter Milan has also shown interest in the young Argentine, as they have a long tradition with Argentine players. However, Real holds the cards, and it’s very likely he won’t stay in Como past June.”