Real Madrid has made a decision that has caught the attention of many: a footballer won't return to the club this summer. The player, who has completed a great season in Italy with Como, won't be brought back. Even though the club had a buy-back option for just eight million euros, it has chosen to let the opportunity pass.
The news has been confirmed by journalist Fabrizio Romano. The option will remain valid, but in 2026 it will cost one million more. What has happened for him not to be given a new opportunity at Bernabéu?
The answer has a first and last name: Arda Güler.
The unstoppable growth of the Turk
When Arda Güler arrived at Real Madrid, many saw him as a long-term bet, but he has shown that there's no need to wait that long. In just a few matches, he has already made his mark. Quality, vision, boldness—he's got it all.
Güler has gained importance in the squad. Even though he hasn't been an undisputed starter, every time he played, he made a difference. In a team with names like Bellingham, Modric, or Kroos, it's not easy to stand out, but he has done it.
That impact has consequences. He has displaced his direct rivals, among them, Nico Paz. In the same position, the club is betting on the present.
Nico Paz, a talent that doesn't stop
The fact that Real Madrid isn't bringing him back doesn't mean that Nico Paz has failed; on the contrary. His loan to Como has been a complete success. He has been a starter, he has matured, and he has become a key piece for Cesc Fàbregas, coach of the Italian club.
35 matches, 6 goals, 6 assists, and above all, constant development. Paz left the comfort of the Madrid youth academy to test himself at the elite level. He has passed the test with flying colors.
Xabi Alonso, new coach of Madrid, doesn't see him ready yet to compete for minutes with those already there. He prefers that he keeps growing elsewhere, without slowing his progress with a secondary role.
A story that isn't over
Although today Real Madrid is turning its back on him, Nico Paz remains on the club's radar. The buy-back option remains open and, if he keeps shining, it's not ruled out that he'll return in the future.
For now, his path will continue far from Bernabéu. But at 20 years old (20 años), everything is yet to be written. His quality doesn't go unnoticed, and if he keeps up his level, sooner rather than later we'll see him at a top club.
Meanwhile, Arda Güler is establishing himself as one of the great jewels of the Madrid project. With his breakthrough, he has closed doors to others, like Nico Paz. That's soccer: you shine or you wait. In this case, Güler has excelled so much that he's already starting to shape the future of those coming up behind him.