Real Madrid News
18-year-old Real Madrid academy prodigy has caught Ancelotti’s eye – report
The rise of Nico Paz over the past year has been astronomical. The youngster is one of the biggest talking points from the club’s academy and is considered the crown jewel of a special crop of talents coming through La Fabrica.
Many in the club administration believe that he is the best young talent at Real Madrid. Considering his red-hot performances for the U-19s and Castilla, many consider him to be ready to take the step up to the first team.
According to reports from Mario Cortegana, the officials higher up have taken notice of young Nico. He has caught Carlo Ancelotti’s eye, particularly for his power and technique on the field. Moreover, the manager likes the youth prodigy’s physical resilience in individual battles and close control in tight spaces.
Nico has played 17 times in the league for Castilla this season, scoring two goals and setting up three more. He also netted five times in seven appearances for the U-19s in the UEFA Youth League.
Paz is an attacking midfielder by trade and is seen as one who can add a new dimension to the first team’s already stacked midfield. The only obstacle on that front is seemingly the severe competition for minutes.
The conditions are not amicable for the Argentine prodigy to make the step up to the first team, for regular playing time is a must in the early years of his career.
However, one can expect him to receive the occasional call-up to the senior side throughout next season and feature as a regular member in training sessions.
With the futures of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric uncertain beyond the next season, the doors to the first team for Nico Paz could well open in just over a year’s time. Going by the little he has shown in his stint at the club so far, he will be more than ready to pounce on his chance.
In a big development, Fabrizio Romano is reporting that Real Madrid midfield sensation Eduardo Camavinga is on the verge of signing a new contract with the club.
The French international has been at the club since 2021, when he was signed from Rennes, and has grown into a vital member of Carlo Ancelotti’s setup.
Camavinga’s performances over the past year have been tremendous and the Frenchman is now one of the permanent fixtures in midfield even ahead of veterans like Luka Modric and Toni Kroos this season.
Only final details pending
Camavinga’s contract with Real Madrid runs until the summer of 2027, but the club have been working on offering him a new deal for a while now.
And now, Romano is reporting that the 20-year-old midfield prodigy is on the cusp of penning a renewal, with only the final details of the agreement left to be ironed out.
Camavinga’s new contract is set to come with a wage increase as well as a release clause as Real Madrid wish to ‘protect’ the player and avoid overtures from other clubs.
Key for the present and the future
Romano further outlines that Real Madrid see Camavinga as a key part of the club’s plans for the present and the future.
The 20-year-old midfield sensation loves the Merengues and the club too love the young talent who has made rapid strides in the time that he has been there.
Some other reports in Spain suggest that Camavinga’s agent is already in the capital city to finalise the renewal agreement.
So, as things stand, Camavinga is set to sign a new contract with Real Madrid with a bigger salary and release clause.
The 20-year-old will form the core of the team for the present and the future along with fellow youngsters like Jude Bellingham, Aurelien Tchouameni, Vinicius Jr., and Rodrygo Goes, among others.
