Real Madrid News
Real Madrid complete signing of highly-rated Spanish youth talent – report
Real Madrid are hard at work trying to build the foundation for next season, with Jose Mourinho in pole position to become the club’s next coach.
However, the Spanish giants have been quite successful in programming youth talents, and to that end, the club remain active in the market, ready to sign any hidden gem in Spanish football.
Now, they are betting on the talents of a young prodigy in the form of Mario Ibanez.
Real Madrid complete the signing of Ibanez
According to MARCA, Real Madrid have finalised the signing of Mario Ibanez, born in 2013, who will join the Under-14 A team at Valdebebas.
The young player arrives from Villegas, a club from a neighbourhood in Logrono, La Rioja.
Ibanez is an attacking player capable of operating as a striker or attacking midfielder. Despite his age, he already stands out for his physicality, pace and ability to exploit space,
He has a particular eye for goal and an ability to produce the decisive final pass in and around the penalty area. This season, he has already featured for Villegas’ first team.
Real Madrid were not alone in their pursuit. As many as four professional clubs had expressed interest in signing him, but Ibanez ultimately chose Valdebebas.
The club’s recruitment approach and the all-round environment on offer, covering residence, schooling, training facilities and personal development, proved decisive in convincing the youngster and his family.
Ibanez has scored over 25 goals this season with Villegas’ first team, a return that speaks for itself.
He will now join the La Fabrica residence and begin what Real Madrid hope will be a long and productive journey through one of the most demanding youth academies in world football.
Real Madrid News
Nico Paz’s message to Real Madrid after historic Champions League night: ‘I made the right decision’
Como had a night to remember in the history of their football club, taking part in the Champions League for the first time.
The Italian side’s rise to the top has been nothing short of remarkable, and under the astute guidance of Cesc Fabregas, they have reached the biggest competition in club football.
Como faced RB Leipzig on their Champions League debut, securing a 4-1 victory to mark the occasion, with Nico Paz starring for the Italians.
He delivered another reminder of his development away from Real Madrid, and the 22-year-old has become a star in his own right.
Paz shines on historic night for Como
The former Madrid academy attacking midfielder produced two assists as Como secured the win against the Bundesliga side.
As quoted by Mundo Deportivo, Paz made it clear that he has no regrets about choosing to continue his career in Italy.
“It was a historic night. We played an incredible match. We were really looking forward to playing this game. I think we approached it in the best possible way. We are happy with the match we played,” Paz said.
Paz had already established himself as an important player in Serie A. Performing with similar influence in the Champions League is another test entirely, and he passed it with flying colours.
The Argentine also addressed his decision to remain at Como rather than return to Real Madrid.
“I thought this was the place where I was going to grow the most, and I think I made the right decision. I am very happy with my decision,” he said.
At Madrid, Paz would have entered an extremely competitive midfield and faced uncertainty over regular minutes.
At Como, he has responsibility, continuity and now the opportunity to develop through Champions League football.
The 22-year-old believes evenings such as the victory over Leipzig demonstrate why staying was the correct choice.
The road not taken ft. Nico Paz
Paz is one of the biggest examples that the conventional path to stardom is not the only way for young players in their footballing careers.
Many starlets are guilty of moving to big clubs earlier than they are ready and then seeing their development stagnate because of a lack of minutes.
Paz, on the other hand, has consistently veered away from this. Despite coming through Castilla, he has built a career for himself in Italy.
There is absolutely no doubt who the star of this Como team is, and the 22-year-old gets more responsibility at a young age than he would have at a club like Madrid.
The Serie A side is proving to be one of the most exciting teams to watch in Europe, and Madrid fans in particular will be curious to see how Paz fares over the course of the campaign.
