Nico Paz already showed interesting details last season that could place him in Real Madrid's first team. However, he came from the youth academy and it is well known what Ancelotti thinks of players from La Fábrica.
The Spanish-Argentine star packed his bags, went to Italy, and joined Cesc Fàbregas's Como. There, he confirmed what Madrid fans already expected of him. At 20 years old, he has become one of the great stars of the Italian league.
The Cost of Bringing Back Nico Paz
Major Italian clubs, like Inter, have shown interest in him. Ancelotti was asked and replied diplomatically: "We believe he is a player who can be part of Real Madrid's future."
Nico Paz is key in Fàbregas's Como: a starter in 14 out of the 18 Lega matches. 3 goals and 4 assists. He is undoubtedly one of the great stars of the championship.
Como paid 6.3 million this summer for 50% of Nico Paz's rights. The other 50% was retained by Real Madrid.
Florentino also secured a first refusal option, as well as buyback amounts that increase over time, ending in 2027.
The agreement mentions 9 million in 2025, 10 million in 2026, and 11 million in 2027. These are more than affordable amounts for a player destined to be a star.
Inter has already offered Como 25 million for him (12.5 for Real Madrid). The club must decide before the end of February, during the planning dates for next season, what to do with Nico Paz.
Will they bring him back by paying 9 million this summer? Will they exercise the right of first refusal by matching the best offer? Or will they take Inter's money?
Ancelotti Already Has Bellingham in His Position
This last option is the one Ancelotti has chosen, as he sees Nico Paz as a balance issue in his team. He doesn't doubt his enormous quality, but he already has Bellingham in his position, whom he considers the best in the world.
After Bellingham, Brahim Díaz and Arda Güler can also play that role. Ancelotti trusts all three, but he already has enough trouble giving them all minutes. The last thing he needs is to add Nico Paz to the list of contenders.
For Ancelotti, Paz isn't better than what he already has. Therefore, his future is dispensable at Real Madrid. Florentino Pérez was the first surprised by Ancelotti's decision.