Jose Mourinho identifies Nico Paz as ‘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 Florentino Perez as the club’s President.

Mourinho is already 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 is said to have 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 the Moroccan is keen on staying.

Madrid sold Paz to Como in the summer of 2024 with a buy-back clause of €9 million, which 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 scored 12 goals and provided seven assists in the Serie A last season, helping Como qualify for the UEFA Champions League. He also created 13 big chances.

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 is capable of playing as a right-winger and a striker.

Paz’s rapid rise has been recognised internationally, as he has been included in Argentina’s World Cup squad.

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