According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid youngster Nico Paz is set to leave the club this summer.
After several years at the club, the midfielder appears set to make a permanent move away from the Santiago Bernabeu.
Among the clubs interested in signing him are Cesc Fabregas’s side Como, as well as Girona and Alaves, who have already enquired about terms.
One of the key elements of this transfer is that Real Madrid are insisting on including a buy-back clause.
This is a strategy that clubs often use when dealing with youth player transfers, allowing them to maintain control over promising talent.
The idea behind this clause is that if Nico develops into a player that Real Madrid can utilise in the future, they will have the option to bring him back to the club.
However, this particular condition is believed to be one of the reasons why the deal has not yet been completed, as negotiations are ongoing to ensure all parties are happy with the terms.
There’s no place for Nico at Real Madrid
Nico Paz is set to leave Real Madrid this summer. (Photo: Florencia Tang Jun/Getty Images)
The decision to move Nico away from Real Madrid is not surprising given the fierce competition for a first-team starting spot.
With established players such as Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, Jude Bellingham and Aurélien Chouameni taking on key roles in midfield, it is becoming increasingly difficult for young players like him to break into the starting line-up.
Despite his potential, the 19-year-old midfielder is unlikely to get the playing time he would like at Real Madrid and a departure from the club would be the logical next step in his career.
During Real Madrid’s pre-season tour of the United States, Nico was given the chance to showcase his abilities in the absence of some of the team’s key players.
But despite the reduced competition, he only managed to get 92 minutes of playing time across three games.
This limited action suggests manager Carlo Ancelotti may not see Nico as part of his immediate plans, making his departure even more likely.