Tottenham manager Thomas Frank shocked and Real Madrid president Florentino Perez in circular inset
Kyrenia Shipillis
Sun 24 August 2025 16:00, UK
Tottenham will need to get past Real Madrid to avoid further transfer heartbreak this summer.
Daniel Levy will be hoping to spring back from Eberechi Eze’s humiliating decision to sign for rivals Arsenal with a couple more signings.
The Tottenham chairman has been in deep water in recent days, with CEO Vinai Venkatesham also “facing issues” at Spurs.
However, great gains in the summer window will be hard to come by.
Daniel Levy smiles at Tottenham
Levy will be looking to get back on track in the market (Credit: Imago)
This article includes exclusive comments from Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham.
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Tottenham will struggle to sign Nico Paz
Tottenham have identified Nico Paz as a viable alternative to Eze this summer.
Paz has been praised by Lionel Messi and other notable figures in the football world. On 15 April, legendary Italian footballer Francesco Totti predicted a bright future for the young midfielder.
In quotes translated by The Pinnacle Gazette on 16 April, Totti said: “Nico Paz will become one of the best players in the world.
“I would bet on a young player like Nico Paz, I like him. He is an original, creative, and mischievous player.”
However, Real Madrid could shape up to be a huge stumbling block in getting his transfer over the line.
Paz is a Madrid academy product, joining the White club’s youth academy in 2016
He signed for Como on a four-year deal in August 2024 and netted six goals in 35 games last season
Madrid agreed on three buy-back clauses with Como as part of their deal. This included a £6.9million clause for the summer of 2025, £7.7m in 2026 and £8.6m in 2027.
As a result, Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes Madrid will not permit Paz to bypass them that easily.
“They say he’s the most viable,” Wenham said.
“Paz has this buyback clause with Real Madrid for like £8m this year and £9m the next. I just don’t see a world where Real Madrid allows us to get him. If there’s any indication that we’re going to take him and suddenly they don’t have those nice buy-backs available to them, I’d just see them swooping in and getting him.
“So, I’d be interested to see how that plays out. I just don’t see Tottenham being able to get Paz.”
Tottenham target Nico Paz in action for Como as he glances into the distance.
Tottenham are keen to sign Paz this summer (Credit: Imago)
Is Nico Paz a good James Maddison replacement?
Paz will struggle to emulate what James Maddison brought to the Lilywhites.
When comparing their 2024/25 seasons, the Englishman has him beat in almost every single metric, barring ball carrying and possession won.
Tottenham target Nico Paz and James Maddison compared via DataMB
Paz vs Maddison stats (DataMB)
However, even where Paz excels, he’s cutting it close. On ball carrying, he ended the season with 83.9 to Maddison’s 68.3 per 90. While the gap in possession won is smaller, with Paz putting up 23.8 to the Spurs midfielder’s 13.1.
Therefore, while he may be young, Paz may struggle to grow into the ‘Maddison role’ at Tottenham.
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