Nico Paz: Man United will not let Real Madrid stop transfer plan | OneFootball

Manchester United’s hopes of striking a deal for Nico Paz have been reignited despite Real Madrid’s intention to re-sign the 21-year-old magician this summer, according to a new report.

Lighting up Serie A

Paz has enjoyed a meteoric rise since leaving the Santiago Bernabeu to join Serie A hotshots Como 1907 in the summer of 2024 for €6 million.

The Argentina international has become one of Serie A’s most effective attacking midfielders under the tutelage of Cesc Fabregas, demonstrating a maturity on the ball which belies his years.

Six goals and nine assists in an excellent debut campaign have been followed up by the reverse – nine goals and six assists – in an even more impressive sophomore year, with a third of the season still to play.

But it is not simply Paz’s decisive contributions in the final third which have caught eye; rather, it’s his ability to dictate games for Como, purposely moving around the pitch as he helps effectively knit play, which has put him on the radar of Europe’s elite.

A Successor to Bruno?

United have been strongly linked with a move for the youngster as INEOS grapples with the prospect of life after club captain, Bruno Fernandes .

The 31-year-old midfielder was pursued by Al-Hilal last summer, with the Saudi Pro League side willing to offer eye-watering sums to lure him to the Middle East. Their interest was ultimately rebuffed, but is Caught Offside” target=”_blank”>expected to be renewed after the World Cup this summer.

Fernandes’ deal at Old Trafford expires next year, though the club can trigger an automatic one-year extension. His contract contains a £57m release clause to teams outside of England, however, which pours more fuel on the fire of an explosive exit from Old Trafford.

The Portuguese maestro remains United’s best, and most influential, player, on and off the pitch. It would be virtually impossible to replace his impact on the club.

But a raid on Italy for one of the next big No. 10s would certainly soften the blow – with reports earlier in the season of a €70m bid being prepared by the Red Devils after scouts delivered glowing reports.

Madrid make their move/h5>?While Paz was never going to get first-team opportunities in the Spanish capital, Madrid were well aware of the talent they had in their ranks. ?Consequently, the Liga giant included a buy-back clause worth around €10m as insurance – and they plan to trigger it this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano, effectively ending United’s pursuit. ?However, in an shock twist, Madrid are in fact bringing Paz back to then sell him for at an enormous profit to the Premier League, Real Madrid want €780m ” target=”_blank”>according to a report from Spain. They are understood to be demanding €80m for their academy graduate. ?Caught Offside” target=”_blank”>Caught Offside confirms interest from England, with Chelsea also preparing to rival United for Paz’s signature.

Final Thoughts

If INEOS were willing to launch a €70m raid for the Argentine starlet before Christmas, the fact he will be available for just €10m more come the summer is likely to dissuade this intention.

There will undoubtedly be a sense of displeasure at rewarding Madrid so handsomely for a hostile move – but football is a business, there can be no room for personal feelings off the pitch in the pursuit of success on it.

Feature image Marco Luzzani via Getty Images

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