Real Madrid will reunite with their former player Nico Paz sooner than fans would have thought, claims Fabrizio Romano.
In the summer, Nico Paz made his move to Como official. This was after a year of developing there on loan, and impressing the Italian side enough to sign him permanently...
Or so Como thought.
See, Real Madrid is a side that always factors in the future when they operate in the transfer window. This applies both to signings as well as sales.
Real Madrid wanted to remain in control of Nico Paz's future, so they included a buyback clause in the deal which saw him sign for Como.
This was a stretagic method from Real Madrid, which meant they would always be in control of his future. If he was receiving interest from another club and Como entertained it, they could always swoop in and sign him.
So, showing Nico Paz out the door felt like a farewell rather than a goodbye. Fans always anticipated that he would come back to Real Madrid back one day, we just didn't know when.
Fabrizio Romano thinks Real Madrid reunion is closer than fans think
According to Fabrizio Romano, Nico Paz could return to Real Madrid as soon as summer 2026.
In his own words, Romano said: "Real Madrid have big plans for Nico Paz in their future. He's expected to become a Real Madrid player in the near future, probably already in summer 2026.
"Real Madrid have a buyback clause of €10 million for Nico Paz... Meanwhile the player is shining at Como. Paz is one of the best players in Serie A, two goals already this season; fantastic goals, top player."
High praise from Romano for a player who Real Madrid already knew was a star. The decision to let him go was not out of malice, but instead it was a decision out of love on Real Madrid's part.
See, they knew that Paz would have a difficult time getting game time at Real Madrid. With key additions to the squad in the summer transfer window, it only became more difficult for him.
Tottenham have shown an interest in Paz, but that door is essentially closed now. Como wants to keep hold of Paz for as long as they can before Real Madrid come knocking for their player.
The summer of 2026 is enough time to see Paz fully develop as a player, in one of the world's greatest leagues.