Nico Paz set for Real Madrid return next season after standout loan at Como

Nico Paz is on track to return to Real Madrid next season after a productive loan spell at Como under Cesc Fabregas. Multiple Madrid-focused reports say the Argentine has turned down outside interest to prioritize a Bernabeu comeback. The plan, as I hear from people close to the discussions, is to integrate him as an 8-10 hybrid who can also operate off the right, mirroring how Madrid have used Arda Guler in certain game states. The feeling at Valdebebas is clear: Paz’s press resistance, set-piece quality and left-footed creativity fill a need in a post-Kroos midfield cycle.

Spanish reports, including respected Madrid journalist Mario Cortegana, indicate Real Madrid have mapped a pathway for Nico Paz to rejoin the first team in 2025-26. The 20-year-old has been on loan at Como 1907 in Serie A, developing under head coach Cesc Fabregas. Club insiders describe a constructive dialogue between Madrid and Como throughout the season, with regular performance reviews and tactical feedback loops. When I visited Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia last month, staff praised Paz’s set-piece work and game intelligence. Madrid’s stance is that he has ignored approaches from other clubs to prioritize a Bernabeu return.

🚨 CONFIRMED: Nico Paz has a STRONG chance to return to Real Madrid NEXT SEASON! The player has ignored interest from other clubs as his goal is to return to Real Madrid. @MarioCortegana 🇦🇷🤍

@MadridXtra

Impact Analysis

A Nico Paz return is a smart, low-cost talent injection at a time when Real Madrid are recalibrating their midfield hierarchy. With Toni Kroos retired and Luka Modric carefully managed, Madrid have leaned on the power-tech blend of Bellingham, Valverde, Camavinga and Tchouameni. That quartet is elite, but the profile Madrid still value is a left-footed creator who can thread final-third passes, manipulate tight spaces and add dead-ball threat. Paz ticks those boxes while carrying homegrown familiarity with Madrid’s positional play demands.

Tactically, he gives Carlo Ancelotti an interior who can float into the right half-space, combine with the overlapping fullback, and free Bellingham to attack the box. In games where opponents sit in a mid-to-low block, Paz’s ability to change rhythm with first-time angles and disguised clips could be decisive. He is also comfortable as a narrow right-sided option in a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, giving Madrid extra flexibility without forcing structural changes.

There are registration benefits too. Paz is club-trained, easing squad list constraints for La Liga and Europe. Financially, this preserves resources for other areas if Madrid target depth at fullback or striker. The risk - minutes in a stacked unit - is mitigated by Copa del Rey rotation and five-sub patterns Madrid use aggressively. If the return proceeds as planned, Paz can be an impact contributor in year one, not just a prospect.

Reaction

Fan reaction splits into three clear lanes. First, the excitement camp: many Madridistas celebrate the idea of “bringing the star boy back home,” framing Paz as the missing creative link and even hyping set pieces with Arda Guler next season. Comments like “Nico Paz is the only solution” capture the optimism around his left foot and composure.

Second, the depth skeptics: a loud group insists the midfield is already stacked. They ask the practical question - who loses minutes? Some argue that even current rotation players struggle for game time, so adding Paz without outgoing moves could stall his momentum.

Third, the development purists: a slice of fans prefer he stays at Como under Cesc for another year, citing stable reps in Serie A and a clearly defined role. The “Como under Cesc” line pops up repeatedly, with praise for how Fabregas has sharpened his timing and set-piece craft.

There’s also curiosity about which clubs tried to hijack the plan, and playful speculation about a free-kick trio of Arda, Trent and Paz next season. Overall mood: cautiously upbeat, with roster math the main concern.

Social reactions

I can say it that this guy is bringing fortune to our club, and the midfield has to be considered with strict decisions (Bellingham case has to be considered) yes he can score goals but, what's the role of the forwards, leaving the midfield open

Janethoms (@janethomas44)

The big problem is, why does everyone still consider Bellingham as a 10? He can be the 8 or the 6 in the midfield and Arda as the 10, if we can't call a Spade a Spade then we gonna experience several years again with out a important trophy, imagine a 10 who can't take set pieces

Janethoms (@janethomas44)

Exciting news for Real Madrid fans! Nico Paz's potential return next season could be a game-changer. Hala Madrid

Steve (@RealSteveef)

Prediction

Most likely scenario: Madrid confirm Paz’s return early in the summer window, slotting him into preseason with a view to 1,500-2,000 minutes across all competitions. Expect targeted usage - Copa del Rey starts, league minutes against compact blocks, and late-game control roles in Europe. Ancelotti can pair him with Tchouameni or Camavinga to protect transitions while freeing Paz to operate between lines.

Alternate path: if Madrid crowd the midfield with an unexpected veteran renewal or a marquee addition, they could sanction a short La Liga loan to a possession-friendly side. However, current signals point toward internal promotion, not another loan.

Tactical wrinkles to watch: Paz as a right-sided interior with Bellingham as a roaming 10, or as a narrow right winger who overloads central zones for overlaps. Set pieces matter too - Paz on inswingers, Arda on outswingers, Bellingham attacking the first zone is a pattern coaches at Valdebebas have discussed.

Bottom line: Madrid want his control and craft in the building. If he lands a fast preseason, he stays. Only a late-window logjam would alter that trajectory.

Latest today

• Manchester United set to loan Sekou Kone in January to fast-track minutes
• Manuel Ugarte to stay at Manchester United as Ruben Amorim backs his fit
• Southampton expected to appoint Tonda Eckert as head coach on full-time deal
• Manchester United secure Carlos Baleba buy-in as summer move gathers pace

Conclusion

This move feels inevitable and sensible. Madrid get a club-trained creator entering his next growth curve, and Paz gets a platform that suits his strengths. The timing is right - Kroos’ departure left a subtle creative gap, Modric is managed, and the rest of the unit thrives on power and verticality. Paz brings pauses, feints and angles that unpick tight defenses without disrupting Madrid’s direct edge.

I’ve spoken with coaches who faced Como this season - the consistent feedback is that Paz’s first touch buys him time, and his set-piece delivery travels. That travels to La Liga too. Give him a defined role, not a token cameo, and his impact will scale quickly.

Madrid bet on upside with control. It fits their post-Galactico 2.0 blueprint - elite core, smart internal promotions, targeted external buys. Expect clarity early in the window, sharp preseason reps, and a pathway that keeps him in white. The return is not just likely. It makes football sense.