Real Madrid News
Real Madrid still want to bring back 21-year-old Argentine wonderkid in 2027 – report
Real Madrid still see Como starlet Nico Paz as a player for the future, even if he will not return to the Santiago Bernabeu immediately.
A product of La Fabrica, the Argentine forward has gone on to make a name for himself by becoming the star of Cesc Fabregas’ project in Italy.
Following his development into one of Serie A’s best players last season, Madrid activated their buy-back clause but agreed to sell him to Como for a higher fee.
Now, according to Guillermo Rai of The Athletic, a sale to a third club was never an option for Los Blancos because of regulations and out of respect for Como.
The key point, however, is that Real Madrid value Nico above the €80 million buy-back clause and still want him back in 2027.
Real Madrid’s current overcrowding has made decisions more complicated across the squad. Bringing Nico back now, without a clear role, could have done more harm than good.
Game time shaped the decision
The report says game time was a major factor. That is understandable. Nico is at the stage where minutes matter more than symbolic status.
A return to Real Madrid only makes sense if he is coming back to compete seriously, not to sit on the bench behind a crowded midfield and attacking group. That is why 2027 feels like the more logical window.
This is responsible squad planning. Real Madrid have kept control of the situation through the buy-back clause, while allowing the player to continue growing in an environment where he can play regularly.
Como also deserve respect in the operation. If Madrid had treated Nico as a quick trading asset, it would have damaged a relationship and sent the wrong message to clubs willing to develop young players.
A future return still feels alive
Nico’s talent has never been the question. He has the technical quality, creativity and personality that fit Real Madrid’s long-term idea.
The question is when the move makes sense. Right now, Madrid are already trying to prune the squad before adding more players.
By 2027, the situation could be different. Slots may be open in the squad, certain senior players may end up leaving and Nico could arrive as an even bigger star.
That is the ideal scenario for Madrid. They do not need to rush him back just to prove they believe in him.
Paz may or may not have a Madrid future, but there is no doubt that he has a huge future in the game, irrespective of where his career takes him.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid defender takes major step towards comeback; set for return after international break
Real Madrid are finally beginning to see a clear path back for Eder Militao, with the defender now in the final phase of his rehabilitation and increasingly expected to return after the next international break.
Militao has been sidelined since suffering a tear to the proximal biceps femoris tendon in his left leg during the meeting with Alaves last April.
The injury required surgery, but his recovery has now reached a stage where his return can be discussed in more concrete terms.
Militao steps up rehabilitation at Valdebebas
While Real Madrid completed their preparations for Tuesday night’s trip to Elche, Militao was working separately from the main group at the Valdebebas Training Centre.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the Brazilian defender carried out specific exercises with the club’s rehabilitation staff and physiotherapists on pitches 1 and 2.
The work represents another step in a recovery process that has kept him away from competitive action for several months.
Mind you, Militao will not be involved against Elche, but the latest signs are considerably more encouraging for what comes next.
Return now expected after international break
The timeline surrounding Militao’s comeback is finally becoming clearer. Provided his recovery continues at its current pace, Real Madrid expect the centre-back to be available to Mourinho once the international break is over.
That break is scheduled to take place from the end of September into the first week of October, meaning Militao could be back by mid-October at the latest.
For a defender who has endured another significant spell on the sidelines, simply having a defined target gives an important moment in his rehabilitation.
Real Madrid still missing players
Militao’s progress is particularly welcome because Real Madrid continue to deal with several absences in the squad.
On that note, Rodrygo and Ferland Mendy remain on the injury list and are not expected to return as quickly as Militao.
Both these players are therefore ruled out of the Elche fixture, leaving Mourinho without several established options.
Beyond Elche, though, Militao’s return offers Real Madrid something far more valuable: another experienced defensive option for the demanding weeks ahead.
After surgery and months of rehabilitation, the Brazilian is now entering the final stretch, and if there are no setbacks, Real Madrid could have their defender back in the squad around the middle of October.
