Real Madrid need to hit the reset button this summer and get to work addressing several issues that have plagued the team this season. Injury setbacks, tension between player and manager and a lack of form have all been taking hold.
As a result it is expected that Madrid will be extremely busy in the transfer window and look to make crucial signings for the first team. A new defender is undoubtedly on the cards amid David Alaba likely leaving and Antonio Rudiger could follow him out the door.
The clearest problem that has long been pointed out by fans and even Xabi Alonso is a lack of creative midfield prescence. This seems to be the first priority for the transfer chiefs this summer amid reports over a summer signing.
Real Madrid to kickstart summer window with reunion
Madrid have made several questionable decisions in recent years and one of them was to let Nico Paz leave for Italian outfit Como in the summer of 2024. The 21-year-old wanted more game time and this wasn't on offer to him at the Estadio Bernabeu.
Cesc Fabregas has made him a talisman in his Como team and reaped the rewards. The Argentine attacker has bagged nine goals and six assists in 26 games across competitions.
According to Diario AS (via Madrid Zone), Paz is set to return to Madrid in June and that decision has been made by the higher-ups. This means his €9m buy-back clause will be triggered and that is a perfect way to start a much-needed rebuild.
Fabregas gave a glowing verdict of Paz when speaking back in October and acknowledged opinions that he is a game-changer for Como. He told reporters (via Tribuna):
"If he doesn't shine, we don't win? I already answered that last week. I'm not saying yes or no. Nico is an important player, he's growing, and he's very hungry. The more you play and contribute in the attacking phase, the more you can be involved in an action. Obviously, he makes a difference, and that's why he is here. For me, he will always be an important player."
Paz joined Como from Madrid for €6m, so if the club triggers the buy-back clause, they will make a loss of €3m. It's a very damning reflection on the club's planning, given they had the Argentina international in their possession just two summers ago.
An elite midfielder must arrive alongside Paz
Madrid are focused on signing youngsters who can develop into world class players. That has seen the likes of Arda Guler and Franco Mastantuono arrive in recent years.
But there is a clear need for experience, especially in midfield, and that's why Paz shouldn't be the only creative midfielder to join the club this summer. Potential moves for Paris Saint-Germain's Vitinha and Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez have been deemed 'impossible' because of the finances involved.
But a proven midfielder with experience and world class ability is just what this Madrid team needs. That could be someone like Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes, who has been linked, and might be more attainable than Fernandez and Vitinha.