Real Madrid News
Former Real Madrid youth prodigy refuses to shut doors on future return: ‘If an opportunity arises…’
Real Madrid are closing in on a strategic summer move, with plans in place to bring back one of their brightest academy products, namely, Nico Paz.
The Argentine attacking midfielder has been enjoying a breakthrough campaign at Como, where his performances have not gone unnoticed.
With 12 goals and seven assists to his name this season, Nico has established himself as one of the most productive young midfielders outside Europe’s elite leagues, prompting Madrid to accelerate plans for his return.
The pathway back to the Santiago Bernabeu has been building for months, as the player had already shown his preference last summer by rejecting interest from Tottenham Hotspur.
Now, there is a growing belief that the club is expected to activate their €9 million buy-back clause in the summer.
Opening up on Real Madrid return
Despite the growing noise around a return to Spain, Nico himself has remained grounded.
Speaking recently about his development since leaving Real Madrid Castilla, the youngster emphasised how important his time in Italy has been for his growth as a professional.
“I came here from Real Madrid Castilla, having never played for a first-team side before.
“Now I feel much more mature, better prepared to play at this level. It’s a good league and I’m focused on improving every day to keep growing.”
With speculation intensifying, Nico was also asked directly about the possibility of returning to Real Madrid.
However, he made it clear that his current focus remains fully on Como and his performances on the pitch.
“I don’t want to think about those things. I’m 100% focused here, in Como. I want to give my all on the pitch.
“Then, if an opportunity arises in the future, we’ll see.”
World Cup ambitions
Beyond club football, Nico also has clear international ambitions.
The young midfielder is targeting a place in Argentina’s squad for the upcoming World Cup, a dream he has carried since childhood.
“I’ve dreamed of the World Cup since I was a kid, ever since I used to watch the matches on TV.
“It would be incredible for me; I work every day to get there. Messi told me to work hard and stay humble. I’d steal his left foot,” he concluded.
Source: AS
Bernardo Silva was one of Real Madrid’s headline signings last summer. The Portuguese midfielder arrived on a free transfer from Manchester City and appeared destined to become the creative successor to Toni Kroos and Luka Modric in the middle of the park.
Indeed, with the club having not signed a new central midfielder, many within Real Madrid saw the veteran star as a solution to the issue.
Manager Jose Mourinho made him a starter from the very beginning in pre-season, but not in his usual role on the right. Instead, he deployed his compatriot as a deep-lying playmaker in the midfield double pivot.
A change in circumstances
Silva failed to have the expected influence when operating in a deeper role in midfield in the chances he got.
Combined with the emergence of Arda Guler and Aurelien Tchouameni’s return to fitness, the Portuguese international has now lost his place in the starting line-up and dropped to the bench.
Bernardo’s situation became particularly striking against Villarreal this past Saturday at the Santiago Bernabeu, when he did not play a single minute.
Limited opportunities under Mourinho
Bernardo has played six matches for Real Madrid, starting three and coming on as a substitute in another three.
He did not feature against Villarreal or Elche, while his only appearance in the last three matches was a little over 10 minutes against Atletico Madrid. He was not used regularly by the Portugal national team during the international break either.
Across Real Madrid’s eight La Liga fixtures, Silva has accumulated just 282 minutes of playing time.
The Champions League now presents another opportunity for the former Manchester City captain, who has yet to make his European debut for Real Madrid this season.
He missed the match against Inter Milan because he was still serving a suspension carried over from his time at the Etihad Stadium last season.
It remains to be seen whether Mourinho will give him an opportunity against AS Roma in the coming week.
For now, the midfielder’s reduced playing time suggests that the Portuguese coach has lost some of his faith in a player who arrived with high expectations after leaving Manchester City.
