Zanetti says Nico Paz is expected to return to Real Madrid
Quick summary
Inter vice president Javier Zanetti said Nico Paz will "surely" return to Real Madrid at the end of the season. The comments reinforce reports that Madrid are set to activate their buy-back option on the Como attacker.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceInter Vice President Javier Zanetti admits he’s an admirer of Nico Paz, but the Como talent will ‘surely’ return to Real Madrid at the end of the season.
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Zanetti: ‘Nico Paz surely returning to Real Madrid’ Inter Vice President Zanetti reveals his compatriot Nico Paz will surely return to Real Madrid at the end of the season.
“I admire him, and his father is a great friend of mine,” Zanetti said during an event on Tuesday, via Sport Mediaset.
“He would fit well in any top side, but signing him is complicated. Surely, he’ll return to Real Madrid.”
Como signed Nico Paz on a permanent transfer in the summer of 2024, leaving Real Madrid with an option to re-sign the Argentine until 2027.
TURIN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 15: Inter vice president Javier Zanetti attends a meeting at Casa Tennis during the Nitto ATP Finals 2023 on November 15, 2023 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Giorgio Perottino/Getty Images for Citta Di Torino) Multiple sources have claimed over the last few months that Real Madrid would activate their option to re-sign the 21-year-old at the end of the season, and Zanetti has now confirmed that Paz is set to return to the Estadio Bernabeu.
Nico Paz has scored 13 goals and provided eight assists in 39 appearances across all competitions under Cesc Fabregas at Como this season.
COMO, ITALY – APRIL 12: Nico Paz of Como 1907 celebrates after scoring their team’s second goal during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and FC Internazionale at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on April 12, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) Recent reports from Corriere dello Sport and other reputable Italian media outlets indicate that Inter are still interested in Nico Paz, despite his anticipated return to Real Madrid.
The Argentine’s future with the La Liga giants will, in fact, largely depend on the new coach’s decision.
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What happened
Javier Zanetti said signing Nico Paz would be difficult and stated that the 21-year-old is expected to return to Real Madrid. Paz joined Como in 2024, but Madrid retained a re-sign option valid until 2027. The Argentine has had a strong season under Cesc Fabregas, contributing 13 goals and eight assists in 39 appearances. Inter remain interested, but Zanetti's comments suggest Real Madrid are currently in control of the player's next move.
Chance analysis
This matters because it strengthens the likelihood of squad change around a productive young attacker who has been central to Como's output. For football models, it is more relevant as a medium-term roster signal than an immediate match-day factor, but it slightly improves Real Madrid's future depth outlook while weakening expectations of Paz remaining a key Como asset next season.
The most likely effect is increased expectation of Nico Paz rejoining Real Madrid, with a corresponding negative outlook for Como retaining his attacking production.
Treat this as a credible transfer-direction signal: Real Madrid look increasingly likely to reclaim Nico Paz, reducing the probability of him staying at Como or joining Inter soon.