‘Either return or play here’: Serie A coach makes big admission over ex-Real Madrid starlet’s future | OneFootball

Even though the summer transfer window is still some way away, Real Madrid have pretty much secured their first signing in the form of Nico Paz.

Indeed, the Argentine playmaker, who has been excelling at Como over the past two seasons, is primed to return to the Santiago Bernabeu, as Los Blancos plan to activate their €9 million buyback option for the former La Fabrica talent.

However, of late, there have been speculations that Inter Milan are pushing hard to sign Nico, with their vice-president, Javier Zanetti, even meeting the youngster.

Cesc Fabregas shuts down Inter speculations

However, Como manager Cesc Fabregas has firmly shut the doors on Nico’s potential move to Inter Milan, confirming that the midfielder will either remain under him or return to Real Madrid next season.

“Nico is 50% a Como player, but he’s ours. The only club that can say anything is Real Madrid . If I can say one thing, I know it for sure: Nico Paz won’t play for Inter. He’ll either return to Real Madrid or play for Como next year,” Fabregas said (h/t MARCA).

Fabregas has confirmed Nico Paz will not go to Inter Milan. (Photo by Giuseppe Cottini/Getty Images)

This comes as a direct response to Zanetti’s comments about Nico, where he had said:

“I love Nico Paz , both as a player and as a person. His father was my roommate at the 1998 World Cup. I’m happy for him now; great players are certainly sought after by great clubs.”

Addressing Zanetti’s comments, Fabregas remarked: “Has Javier Zanetti spoken about Nico Paz? I’m sorry. Zanetti has been a very important figure in the world of football; he knows how things work. The only club that can say anything is Real Madrid. 

“I know that Zanetti doesn’t work for either Real Madrid or Como, so we have to show respect. There are also some little messages that I don’t like.”

“If I may say one thing, this is clear to me: Nico Paz will not play for Inter. He will either return to Real Madrid or play for Como next season,” he concluded.

Nico Paz back at Real Madrid

Nico Paz will be back at Real Madrid in the summer. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

A product of La Fabrica, Nico Paz made his first-team debut for Real Madrid during the 2023/24 season under Carlo Ancelotti. He went on to play eight senior games, scoring one goal, before joining Como in the summer of 2024.

In his two years in Italy, the 21-year-old playmaker has racked up 19 goals and 17 assists from 75 games, helping the Serie A club secure qualification from European football next season.

Having gained valuable experience and proven himself, Nico is now all set to return to Real Madrid in the summer, with the club planning for next season with him as part of the squad.