Jose Mourinho identifies Nico Paz as a ‘priority’ transfer target ahead of Real Madrid return | OneFootball

Jose Mourinho is set to be announced as Real Madrid’s new manager following the re-election of club president Florentino Perez.

Mourinho is preparing for his second stint at Madrid and has now made his first transfer request.

The Portuguese has made the re-signing of Nico Paz a priority in this summer’s transfer window, according to Sky Sport.Ch.

Mourinho has spoken with the young midfielder. He considers him a good fit for his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation.

Madrid are open to re-signing Paz, but want to offload an attacking player before doing so. Brahim Diaz is one of the players they are willing to let go, although he is keen on staying.

Madrid sold Paz to Como in 2024 with a €9 million buyback clause that can be activated this summer.

The Argentine, who is also a Madrid academy graduate, has become one of the best young attacking midfielders in Europe.

Paz bagged 12 goals and seven assists in the Serie A last season, helping Como qualify for the Champions League.

The 21-year-old averaged 2.0 dribbles per game – only Juventus’ Kenan Yildiz posted a higher figure in the competition.

He also offers versatility, as he can play as a right-winger or a striker.

Paz could become Madrid’s third signing of the summer after the club agreed deals for Denzel Dumfries and Ibrahima Konate.