Contradicting reports on Nico Paz's return to Real Madrid continue to emerge ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup and the opening of the summer transfer window. According to the latest updates, the Xabi Alonso-managed side is no longer planning to bid for the 20-year-old Argentina international this summer.
Nico Paz joined Como on a permanent deal last year after spending eight years with Real Madrid. He was unable to cement a place in Los Blancos’ starting eleven despite featuring in the UEFA Champions League as a teenager. However, he proved his worth under Cesc Fàbregas at Como, scoring six goals and providing nine assists in 35 games. Xabi Alonso reportedly rates the left-footed South American highly, which initially led Real Madrid's management to consider triggering the €9 million buyback clause.
Nico paz is the Truth @Inter. Bring pic.twitter.com/zsxNpDWJH4
— Noah (@fcimnoah) June 4, 2025
While Paz holds no animosity toward his former club, the Argentine reportedly wants a guarantee of regular playing time from Xabi Alonso if he is to return. He made just eight appearances for Real Madrid (four in La Liga) before being sold to the Italian side, and he is not willing to take any chances with his development.
Meanwhile, Fàbregas is expected to leave Como to take over as manager of Inter Milan, who recently parted ways with Simone Inzaghi. If appointed, Inter reportedly intend to sign Nico Paz, as he thrived under Fàbregas. According to multiple reports, the Serie A runners-up are open to spending up to €35 million for his services. Rúben Amorim's Manchester United have also reportedly entered the race as part of their squad overhaul. After securing Matheus Cunha, Paz is said to be a priority for the Red Devils, alongside Viktor Gyökeres and Bryan Mbeumo.
Nico Paz - 2024/25
— Omar 🇦🇪 (@_Wangster) June 3, 2025
Breakthrough season pic.twitter.com/0VX5elXPRi
However, sources at Como have reportedly confirmed that they have not initiated communication with either Inter or United. Real Madrid remains the only club they are currently in talks with, the sources stated. It also remains unclear how much the Premier League side is willing to offer for Paz.
Meanwhile, Madrid Universal, citing a report from OK Diario, stated that Real Madrid have paused discussions regarding Paz in light of progress made in signing River Plate prodigy Franco Mastantuono. Alarmed by the progress Champions League winners PSG made in attempting to sign the Argentine teenager, Real Madrid swiftly shifted their focus to Mastantuono, who is also an international teammate of Paz. This decisive action appears to have paid off, as Mastantuono is set to join Los Blancos immediately.
Franco Mastantuono | AFP
The 17-year-old is expected to be part of Xabi Alonso's Club World Cup squad, and his signing means that Paz is no longer a top priority for the Spanish giants. Also left-footed, Mastantuono is regarded as technically superior to Paz and is effective as an attacking midfielder, deep-lying playmaker, and winger.
