Nico Paz may have slipped from the spotlight after leaving Valdebebas, but his resurgence in Serie A has reignited interest from some of Europe’s elite. The 20-year-old attacking midfielder, who exited Real Madrid Castilla to join Como’s ambitious project, has blossomed under the mentorship of Cesc Fàbregas. In the calm of Italy’s second tier, Paz flourished, scoring six goals and providing nine assists across 35 games. His development has not gone unnoticed, and now two familiar names are circling once more: Real Madrid and Manchester United.
According to reports from Caught Offside and the Manchester Evening News, United have been closely tracking Paz’s progress. The club’s sporting department has been impressed by his creativity, vision, and tactical growth. While Real Madrid hold an €8 million buy-back clause, the recent signing of Argentine prodigy Franco Mastantuono may complicate a return for Paz. With their midfield pipeline increasingly crowded, Los Blancos might opt not to activate the clause, creating a rare opening for United. The Red Devils could match the clause and attempt to lure Paz with guaranteed minutes and a central role in Rúben Amorim’s rebuild, something he never received at the Bernabéu.
From a sporting standpoint, pursuing Nico Paz would be both logical and strategic. Manchester United are in desperate need of young, inventive midfielders, particularly in the wake of a toothless 2024/25 campaign where attacking phases lacked inspiration. Paz would suit Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system perfectly, slotting in as one of the two advanced midfielders behind the striker.
Can Manchester United get Nico Paz?
He boasts intelligent movement, sharp passing, a dangerous long-range shot, and, most crucially, genuine personality on the pitch. The Argentine is comfortable receiving in tight spaces and appearing in decisive moments, traits that have been sorely missing at Old Trafford. His Real Madrid education gave him not only technical polish but also the mentality to thrive under pressure.
However, the absence of European competition in 2025/26 poses an obvious hurdle. Will a rising talent be willing to join a club currently outside the continental spotlight? It’s a tough call, but this is exactly where Manchester United must step up with a clear and convincing plan: regular minutes, a defined role, and genuine importance in the project. Paz wants to play, and at Real Madrid, he would likely have to wait his turn. If United are serious, they must not only match the clause but also make him feel essential. Signing him is not enough, they must win him over.
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Looking at it from a broader perspective, bringing in Paz would also send a powerful message, not just to the player or the market, but to the dressing room. It would reflect a commitment to youth, to functionality over flash, and to building a squad aligned with Rúben Amorim’s footballing philosophy. This is not about chasing big names, but about identifying players who can immediately contribute within a modern system. In that regard, Paz offers more than potential, he brings immediate impact.
Personally, I believe this move makes far more sense than it might appear at first glance. It’s a low-risk, high-reward investment. If Manchester United are truly aiming to rebuild into a competitive force, they must begin by winning these quiet, strategic battles. Nico Paz could be one of them.