Real Madrid News
Decision made: Real Madrid trigger €9m clause to bring back former youth star
After a season that has fallen well below expectations, Real Madrid have begun laying the groundwork for a crucial rebuild and the first major decision has already been made.
According to recent reports from AS, the club has decided to bring back Nico Paz from Como, activating the buy-back clause included in his original transfer.
It is a move that signals both urgency and intent as Madrid look to address one of their most evident weaknesses this season – the midfield.
Before diving into the details, it is important to understand the context behind this decision.
Real Madrid’s struggles throughout the campaign have not just been about results, but about control in the centre of the pitch.
The lack of consistency, creativity, and balance has been evident in key matches, prompting the club’s hierarchy to prioritise reinforcements in that area.
Nico has emerged as a natural solution.
Decision made
The 21-year-old has spent the past two seasons developing in Italy, gaining valuable experience and establishing himself as a reliable performer at senior level.
His growth at Como has not gone unnoticed in Madrid, where he is now viewed as ready to take the next step.
The financial structure of the deal makes the decision even more straightforward.
When the Argentine left Real Madrid in the summer of 2024, the club ensured they retained significant control over his future.
He was sold for just over €6 million, but Madrid included a buy-back clause set at €9 million, a relatively modest figure given his development.
That clause remains valid until May 30, giving the club a clear window to act. Additionally, Madrid secured 50% of any future transfer fee.
Como are aware
Crucially, Como have already been informed of Madrid’s intention to bring Paz back.
Relations between the two clubs remain strong, which has helped facilitate a smooth process. In fact, this growing partnership could continue beyond this deal.
Under Cesc Fabregas, Como have become a trusted destination for Madrid’s young talents.
Players like Jesus Fortea and Daniel Yanez are already being considered as potential candidates to follow a similar development path.
For Madrid, bringing back Nico offers a cost-effective, low-risk solution to a clear problem, which is likely to aid them in the 2026/27 season.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho considering starting 23-year-old Real Madrid ace against Villarreal – report
After impressing during the international break, Eduardo Camavinga has a major opportunity to establish himself in Real Madrid’s midfield rotation.
Indeed, according to Defensa Central, Jose Mourinho is considering starting the Frenchman against Villarreal, with injuries and doubts over several players limiting his options.
Real Madrid cannot afford to drop points against Villarreal if they want to remain in the title race. However, Mourinho has issues to deal with in the squad, which could lead him to turn to Camavinga for a crucial role.
Camavinga could replace Tchouameni in midfield
The 23-year-old star could line up as the defensive midfielder in the double pivot, with Bernardo Silva or Arda Guler alongside him, and will be tasked with providing balance in midfield.
Real Madrid face Villarreal with several problems in central defence. Ibrahima Konate is expected to be a late call, leading Mourinho to consider moving Aurelien Tchouameni into defence alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Meanwhile, Federico Valverde could also struggle to be ready after the ankle injury he sustained in the derby before the international break.
The Uruguayan has continued to work individually away from the group and might return to group training tomorrow. Even then, his readiness to start remains in question.
That would leave a place open in midfield, with Camavinga in line to fill in.
Camavinga impressed during the international break
Camavinga has started only one match this season, the defeat against Real Betis.
Despite his limited opportunities, Mourinho is keen to bring the Frenchman back into the fold after he impressed for France during the international break.
Zinedine Zidane called the Real Madrid star up for his first France squad, and the midfielder performed well during the break.
That has given Mourinho and Real Madrid reason to be optimistic about using him against Villarreal, with the hope that he can move closer to the level he showed after first arriving at the club.
Therefore, the Villarreal match could represent an important test for Camavinga and a chance for the Frenchman to show that he can provide the balance Real Madrid need in midfield.
