Como set sights on another 21-year-old Real Madrid starlet after Nico Paz deal – report | OneFootball

Real Madrid and Como 1907 had quite a busy week as the two clubs were locked in negotiations to sort out the future of young playmaker Nico Paz.

Los Blancos had a €9 million buyback option on their former academy gem, who wished to continue in Italy after two successful seasons.

Finally, an agreement was settled wherein Real Madrid activated the buyback clause only to sell Nico back to Como for €60 million, while retaining an €80 million repurchase option for next year.

Como set sights on Cesar Palacios

Now, according to reports in Italy, as relayed by AS, after successfully negotiating a deal for Nico Paz, Como have set their sights on another Real Madrid starlet – Cesar Palacios.

Como want Cesar Palacios. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

The 21-year-old attacking midfielder, who can also play further up the pitch, has been at Real Madrid since 2020, having joined La Fabrica from Numancia.

Having had more than 70 appearances for Castilla, Palacios made his first-team debut for Los Blancos last season under Alvaro Arbeloa and went on to play seven senior matches.

Palacios, despite being rated highly at Valdebebas, is expected to be on his way out this summer. The youngster has only one year left on his contract and does not have a place in Jose Mourinho’s plans for the first team next season.

Given the situation, Como have shown an interest in acquiring the young attacking midfielder.

Repeating the formula?

What does the future hold for Palacios? (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)

It is an option that could appeal to the player as well as Real Madrid, given how Nico Paz and Jacobo Ramon have developed under Cesc Fabregas in Italy.

Meanwhile, there is also interest in Palacios from much closer to home, with newly-promoted La Liga side Deportivo La Coruna also keen on acquiring his services.

Palacios is unlikely to be the only Castilla prospect to move on in the summer, with teammates Manuel Angel and Fran Gonzalez also expected to leave.

Either way, Real Madrid are likely to repeat their formula of inserting buyback clauses and retaining some percentage of the player’s economic rights while agreeing to part ways with him.