Como, Italy – The future of promising young midfielder Nico Paz remains uncertain, with Como 1907 director Raphaël Varane stating definitively that the decision rests solely with his parent club, Real Madrid. The comments, made during an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, underscore the complexities of loan deals and the power dynamics between developing clubs and European giants.
“Right now we are enjoying Nico Paz, but his continuity does not depend on us or on him,” Varane explained, as reported by multiple sources including Estadio Deportivo and Secure Italian Football News. The 21-year-old Argentine has quickly become a key player for Como, currently fifth in Serie A, a remarkable ascent for a club that was playing in Serie D just seven years ago.
Paz’s impressive form this season – 10 goals and 6 assists – has inevitably drawn attention, and Varane acknowledged that Real Madrid is closely monitoring his progress. The Spanish club retains a €9 million buyback clause, a standard provision in many loan agreements designed to protect their investment in developing talent. This clause gives Real Madrid the first option to re-sign Paz at a predetermined price.
Varane, a former Real Madrid defender himself and a World Cup winner with France, now plays a crucial role in Como’s development as a member of the club’s board. He emphasized the unique environment being fostered at Como under manager Cesc Fàbregas, describing it as a “miracle” and highlighting the club’s commitment to innovation. “Here we can do true innovation and this has stimulated me a lot, the possibility of contributing, with my experience and my knowledge, to the growth of the club,” Varane said.
The situation with Nico Paz mirrors that of another young player, Spanish defender Jacobo Ramón, who also has a buyback clause held by Real Madrid. Varane praised Ramón’s potential, stating, “He is strong and can become a great defender.” This highlights Real Madrid’s strategy of loaning out promising youngsters to gain valuable playing experience while maintaining control over their futures.
Beyond the specifics of Paz and Ramón, Varane spoke glowingly of Fàbregas’s impact as a manager. He noted the Spaniard’s tactical acumen and, crucially, his ability to build a strong team spirit. “Fàbregas, in addition to being great from a tactical point of view, stands out in knowing how to create a sense of belonging, of unity in the group,” Varane explained. He also praised Como’s attractive style of play, making them a compelling team to watch.
Varane also reflected on his own career, recalling the influence of Zinedine Zidane, whom he considers the most important coach of his career. “Zidane, not just anyone. He advised me to focus on one specific thing in each training session. A long pass, a different control, a new movement. A small thing, not many, not everything, to improve day by day,” he shared. This anecdote underscores the importance of focused development for young players.
Drawing on his own experience transitioning from Lens to Real Madrid at a young age, Varane offered advice to aspiring footballers. “The most important thing is to have patience. When I moved from Lens to Real Madrid, everything was bigger, new, different. And above all, the perception of time was different: you don’t play for a month and it feels like a year. You have to be focused, attentive, resilient and train as if you are going to play,” he said.
Varane’s own journey with Como took an unexpected turn. After joining the club as a player in the summer of 2024, a knee injury after just 23 minutes in a Coppa Italia match against Sampdoria forced his retirement. However, Como quickly recognized his value and transitioned him into a directorial role in October 2024, allowing him to continue contributing to the club’s growth.
The situation with Nico Paz is a reminder of the complex web of relationships that exist in modern football. While Como is enjoying the benefits of his talent, Real Madrid holds the key to his future. The coming months will be crucial as the Spanish club evaluates whether to activate the buyback clause and bring Paz back to the Santiago Bernabéu.
Como’s next Serie A fixture is against Atalanta on March 12th, 2026. All eyes will be on Nico Paz as he continues to showcase his abilities and potentially play his way into Real Madrid’s long-term plans. Fans can follow Como 1907 for official updates on their website and social media channels, including @Como_1907 on X.
What do you think? Will Nico Paz return to Real Madrid this summer? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
