Former Real Madrid academy gem informs club he does not wish to return this summer | OneFootball

Nico Paz’s future has finally become clearer, and it is not the outcome many expected just a few months ago. 

According to a report from AS, the Argentine midfielder has informed Real Madrid that he wishes to remain at Como for another season rather than return to the Santiago Bernabeu this summer.

For much of the year, a return to Madrid appeared to be the natural next step following his impressive development under Cesc Fabregas in Italy. 

However, a series of changes within the Spanish club have altered the landscape, ultimately convincing both player and club that postponing his return is the best solution.

The decision is particularly significant because Real Madrid have until June 30 to activate their buyback clause for the Argentine. 

Despite that option being available, all indications suggest the matter has effectively been settled.

Why did he choose Como over Madrid return?

Nico Paz will not return this summer. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)

The driving force behind the decision is the playing time.

The Argentine believes another season at Como offers the best environment for his continued development. 

He wants to play regularly, take on greater responsibility, now that Como will be in the Champions League, and continue growing ahead of what could be a defining period in his career.

On that note, recent developments at Real Madrid have made that objective difficult to guarantee.

When initial conversations about his return took place several weeks ago, the situation at the club looked very different. 

Since then, changes within the sporting structure and the arrival of Jose Mourinho have reshaped planning for next season.

Nico prefers to stay at Como for another season. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

With Real Madrid increasingly focused on signing experienced players, Nico’s route into regular first-team football has become more complicated.

The player received no assurances regarding minutes, something that ultimately proved decisive in his thinking.

Mourinho’s arrival changed the situation

According to the outlet, the original plan was discussed before Mourinho took charge and before several major changes occurred behind the scenes.

Since then, Real Madrid have accelerated their efforts to build a squad capable of competing immediately at the highest level. 

The arrivals of established players such as Bernardo Silva and others, and the club’s pursuit of further reinforcements, have increased competition across multiple positions.

That reality forced both sides to reassess the situation. Rather than returning to Madrid and potentially spending large periods on the bench, Nico will continue working under Fabregas, ultimately delaying his return to Santiago Bernabeu.