Not Only Nico Paz — Another Como Player Is Knocking on Real Madrid’s Door
Madrid is monitoring Paz’s excellent progress in Como, but he isn’t the only one from the Italian club who interests Los Blancos
Real Madrid is trying to recover from last Sunday’s setback in Elche (2–2). While Xabi Alonso’s players returned to training this morning to prepare for their upcoming Champions League match against Olympiacos in Greece (Wednesday, 9 p.m.), there could also be institutional developments behind the scenes. Defensa Central has already reported that Real Madrid is closely following Nico Paz, who continues to shine at Como — but he is not the only player from Cesc Fàbregas’ team who has caught their attention.
Alongside Paz — a midfielder who was already on Madrid’s shortlist to strengthen Xabi’s squad — stands Jacobo Ramón. The centre-back moved to Lombardy this summer for €2.5 million, but like with Paz, Florentino Pérez retained 50% of the player’s rights. In addition, Madrid holds a right of first refusal on Ramón, and the club is keeping him in mind as they search for defensive reinforcements ahead of next season, especially in the centre-back position.
Coincidentally, both Nico Paz and Jacobo Ramón scored in Como’s emphatic 1–5 victory this afternoon over Torino. Fàbregas’ men took an early lead but conceded an equaliser after giving away a penalty just before halftime. In the second half, Como completely ran over their opponents. Ramón scored the third goal with a header from a Máximo Perrone cross, while Paz netted the fourth, in a standout performance from Jesús Rodríguez — the former Betis academy player provided two assists, though he also conceded an entirely accidental penalty.
A Return Home
Real Madrid could solve two problems at once in 2026 by bringing both Nico Paz and Jacobo Ramón back to the club. The pair have been key players for Como this season, although Nico’s success is less surprising, having already been a vital part of Fàbregas’ side last year. The midfielder now has five goals and two assists this season, and Madrid can bring him back at the end of the current campaign for just €9 million — rising to €10 million in 2027. Jacobo Ramón is in a similar situation: his goal on Monday strengthens his case for a return, as Madrid also hold a buy-back clause on him.
Chema Andrés is another player Real Madrid is monitoring. The academy graduate joined Stuttgart this summer and has earned a spot in the German club’s midfield, standing out in the Bundesliga. He could be the ideal option to give Aurélien Tchouaméni some rest, as the Frenchman is the only natural defensive midfielder Xabi currently has. Tchouaméni missed the match in Elche due to an injury sustained after the clash with Liverpool (1–0), and he also sat out the game against Rayo (0–0).
