Cesc Fabregas may have to make some key changes during the January transfer, as one of Como’s star players continues to attract interest from LaLiga.
Real Madrid are reportedly willing to activate their buy-back option for Como star, Nico Paz, as the Argentinian continues to impress in Serie A.
Real Madrid To Pursue Nico Paz In 2026
Xabi Alonso will not be in his former international teammates’ good-books in 2026, as the Real Madrid manager is reportedly pushing to activate Nico Paz’s buy-back clause.
The Como star has seen a huge rise to stardom under Cesc Fabregas and is enjoying some rich form in Serie A this season, registering eight goal contributions in 11 league matches so far (4G + 4A).
Paz joined the Italian side for €6 million in August 2024, leaving his boyhood side Real Madrid after failing to make an appearance for the Los Blancos’ first team.
Despite this lack of playing-time, Madrid made sure to include some intricate clauses in the deal with Como and Xabi Alonso can sign the 21-year-old for an extremely low fee.
The LaLiga side missed the opportunity to sign Paz for €8m last summer, but the Como star can join Real Madrid for €9m in the 2026 summer window – if Madrid decide to activate the clause.
This clause will peak at €10m in 2027, however, if the Argentine international continues to perform in Como it is unlikely that he will remain at the club.
Madrid also have a 50% sell-on clause in any transfer involving Nico Paz, which is a considerable option for the Spanish side as the 21-year-old has been valued at around €60m.
Xabi Alonso will have to decide whether Nico Paz’s services are more enticing than receiving half of a huge transfer fee and the Real Madrid manager is reportedly pushing for the former option.
Although Madrid appear to hold the control in this deal, Nico Paz has been rumored with other elite clubs in Europe with Inter Milan and Tottenham both monitoring the youngster’s situation.
The Como star is not the only player in Serie A that has caught the eye around Europe, as Napoli midfielder Scott Mctominay has attracted interest from the Premier League.
Both McTominay and Paz are said to be available for around €60m, but Como will be well-aware that their star man can leave for a fraction of the price next year.
The 21-year-old’s deal does not expire until June 2028, but Madrid can bring this to an end in the summer of 2026 and Fabregas may be looking to find a suitable replacement.
Cesc Fabregas Targets Nico Paz Replacement
Cesc Fabregas will have to prepare for the departure of Nico Paz, as the Argentinian’s departure appears to be a matter of when instead of if – after a strong run in Serie A.
Finding a player that boasts the same qualities as Paz at a similar age will not be an easy task for Fabregas, but there have been some star players in Europe this season that could act as strong alternatives.
Sofiane Diop has been a revelation in Ligue 1 this season, contributing to seven goals in 12 league matches (6G + 1A) and becoming a regular starter for Nice.
The Moroccan has been linked with a move away from France in 2026, attracting interest from Serie A, LaLiga and Premier League, as his deal expires in June 2027.
Diop has been valued at around €30m, which could be a tempting deal for Como after the Italian side spent over €100m in the recent summer transfer window.
Another possible option for Como could be a move for the unsettled Kobbie Mainoo, as the Englishman continues to push for a move away from Manchester United.
However, the 20-year-old has been strongly rumored with another Serie A side, as a major sports agency plays a huge role in Napoli’s pursuit of Kobbie Mainoo.
The Brit is likely to leave Old Trafford on loan in the January transfer window, which goes against Cesc Fabregas’ ideas and Como may look towards other prospects.
