Real Madrid keeps looking for ways to keep improving its squad. One of the "musts" Xabi Alonso has found is in midfield, where he wants players with more touch and quality. In recent hours, interviewed by Marca, Guti has offered the ideal name to solve this situation: Nico Paz. The youth player has been on the list to strengthen the squad this summer, but in the end, the club decided not to execute his €8M clause.
Guti has been blunt about this return: "I would've liked to see Nico Paz. I think he left the club too soon. At that time, those who were playing were at a high level and Real Madrid was winning titles, but Maybe they could've waited a little longer with him."
Nico Paz won't return to Real Madrid... for now
At 20 years old, Nico Paz has stood out this season at Como, but his future is in doubt. Even though Real Madrid has seriously considered bringing him back this summer, everything seems to indicate that he'll stay in Italy. There, he'll remain important under Cesc Fàbregas, who's turned down major offers to coach Leipzig, Milan, or Inter, among others.
With 6 goals and 9 assists in 35 matches, the Spanish-Argentine has become one of the great promises of soccer. Half of Europe wants him, but Real Madrid holds all the cards. Looking ahead, it still has a clause to bring him back at a bargain price when his valuation already reaches nearly €40 million.
In 2025, they'd pay only €8 million, while after that, for each season that passes, another million would be added: €9 million in 2026 and €10 million in 2027.
Madrid still watching
Even though his return this summer is now practically ruled out, Florentino isn't giving up on Nico Paz. This season, he'll be closely followed again at Como, hoping he'll keep raising his level.
The Spanish-Argentine fits perfectly into Xabi Alonso's system, but the truth is that, right now, there's a lot of competition. In his position are Bellingham, Güler, and now Mastantuono will also arrive. This has created doubts for the footballer himself, who's not at all sure what to do.
Nico Paz hopes to keep being important in Italy so that, sooner rather than later, he can return to Real Madrid feeling like a key piece of the project.