Selection headache looms for Real Madrid as former youth star nears return

Selection headache looms for Real Madrid as former youth star nears return

Real Madrid are already planning for the future, and one of the key names in that vision is Nico Paz.

The club are expected to activate their buyback option to bring him back from Como this summer, but his place in the team is far from guaranteed.

According to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, relayed by Defensa Central, there is internal belief that Nico can play a strong role next season.

As per the outlet, Alvaro Arbeloa is said to value the midfielder highly, largely because of their previous working relationship at Castilla, where he had the opportunity to understand his qualities closely.

That familiarity could work in the Argentine’s favour, especially at a time when Real Madrid are evaluating several attacking options.

Who will make way?

The report also points towards concerns over the current form of Arda Guler and Brahim Diaz, suggesting that neither has consistently performed at their expected level.

As such, this could likely open the door for Nico to compete for minutes.

However, the situation is not straightforward, as the attacking midfielder will not return to Real Madrid just for the sake of it.

Nico Paz will return to Real Madrid in the summer. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

In fact, Nico is understood to prioritise regular minutes as he continues his development.

That position influenced his decision in the past, when a potential return did not materialise following changes in Madrid’s transfer plans.

Meanwhile, his time in Italy has played a major role in his growth.

Within the club, there is recognition that his spell at Como has been highly beneficial.

Managerial uncertainty

Despite the optimism surrounding his progress, though, uncertainty remains, especially at Real Madrid.

Simply put, Real Madrid’s managerial situation is not fully settled, and that could directly impact Nico’s role.

Arbeloa’s future with the first team is still unclear, with key decisions likely to depend on how the season concludes, particularly in the Champions League clash against Bayern Munich.

For now, the plan is to bring Nico back, but how he fits into the team and whether he gets the minutes he wants will depend on decisions still to be made.