Manchester United to battle Real Madrid in the race to sign Serie A wonderkid | OneFootball

Man United Track Nico Paz as Transfer Race with Madrid Looms

Rising Star at Como Draws Elite Attention

Manchester United’s scouting department appears to be shifting gears early in the transfer window, with their eyes fixed on one of European football’s most promising midfielders. Nico Paz, currently developing his game under Cesc Fabregas at Como, is now on United’s radar, according to a report from CaughtOffside.

At 20 years old, Paz is already causing ripples in Serie B with his composed performances and creative spark in midfield. “Man United are also interested and could make a move, though no contacts have taken place yet as Paz considers his options,” CaughtOffside reports. It’s a statement that hints at how precariously poised this pursuit may be.

Real Madrid are also keen, having inserted a modest €8m buy-back clause during his original departure. The twist? Their new manager, Xabi Alonso, is reportedly a “big fan” of Paz and could drive the club’s efforts to bring him back to the Bernabéu.

Picture:IMAGO

Madrid Links Complicated by Past Struggles

While the path back to Real might appear open, it’s not necessarily attractive. Paz “previously struggled for playing time in his first spell in Madrid,” the report notes, a factor that may weigh heavily on his decision-making. It’s clear that first-team assurances will be crucial if Los Blancos are to convince him to return.

“Paz himself will not necessarily rush back to the Bernabeu unless he’s assured a regular first-team place.” That line tells us all we need to know about the player’s maturity and priorities—minutes over medals, development over prestige.

Como Situation Adds Further Intrigue

One subplot worth tracking is the uncertain future of Cesc Fabregas. The former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder has been linked with the vacant Inter Milan job, which could destabilise Como and potentially push Paz towards a decision sooner than expected.

“Fabregas was also linked with other big jobs but ended up staying at Como,” notes CaughtOffside, and if he stays again, it could cement Paz’s position in Italy—at least for another season.

United Showing Intent in Rebuild

After a grim campaign that saw United finish 15th in the Premier League and lose the Europa League final, there is no room for passivity. The club has already moved swiftly to secure Matheus Cunha from Wolves, and Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford looks like the next name through the door.

Photo: IMAGO

Paz would represent a continuation of this strategy: young, hungry, and with room to grow. In a summer of resets, he might just be the creative engine United need in the years ahead.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For United fans, the Nico Paz link is both exciting and frustrating. On one hand, it’s refreshing to see the club act early and target potential stars who aren’t just marquee names, but players with the right hunger and technical ability. Paz’s €8m clause screams value, especially in today’s bloated market.

But as ever with United, there’s concern. The phrase “no contacts have taken place yet” feels all too familiar. It suggests another situation where United are watching, waiting—while someone else swoops in. If Madrid push hard or Fabregas stays at Como, we may be left rueing hesitation.

Still, the fact that Paz is holding out for guaranteed minutes is encouraging. That mindset fits into what fans want post-Amorim’s appointment: footballers who actually want to play and develop, not just pose in kit reveals. If Amorim can promise a clear pathway, Paz might just take a leap of faith.

And let’s be honest, after this shambles of a season, supporters aren’t asking for miracles—they’re asking for structure, planning, and long-term thinking. Signing Paz would signal that someone at the club is listening.