--- title: "Nico Paz snubs Real Madrid return, cements Serie A future" description: "Former La Fábrica starlet ends Madrid speculation with Como’s rise in Italy, exposing Madrid’s youth retention crisis." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/former-real-madrid-academy-star-will-not-return-this-summer-2eb458d3 published: 2026-06-15T17:28:05.479+00:00 updated: 2026-06-15T17:28:05.479+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["soccer"] --- # Nico Paz snubs Real Madrid return, cements Serie A future > Former La Fábrica starlet ends Madrid speculation with Como’s rise in Italy, exposing Madrid’s youth retention crisis. Nico Paz will not return to Real Madrid this summer, ending speculation that linked him with a move back to Madrid. The 20-year-old midfielder, who left Madrid’s academy for Como in 2023, has flourished in Serie A under manager Cesc Fàbregas. Paz’s decision follows a season where he became a regular starter for Como, contributing to their push for promotion to Serie A. His 34 league appearances this season—second only to Como’s captain—highlight his integration into the team’s core, with 2 goals and 5 assists proving his direct impact in a physically demanding league. Real Madrid’s inability to offer guaranteed first-team minutes has been a recurring issue for emerging talents. Paz’s departure underscores the club’s ongoing struggle to retain academy graduates amid competition for playing time and the appeal of guaranteed action in leagues like Serie A. The club’s last homegrown player to break into the first team was Rodrygo in 2019, with Vinícius Jr. and Valverde following but not as academy products in the traditional sense. This drought reflects a systemic gap in Madrid’s pathway to senior football for academy stars. Paz’s form has drawn attention from several top European clubs, but he has opted to stay with Como as they target promotion. The midfielder’s refusal to return to Madrid signals a broader challenge for the club in keeping young stars satisfied with limited senior opportunities. His decision also exposes the financial limitations of Serie B clubs compared to Madrid’s resources, yet the promise of consistent minutes has outweighed the allure of a marquee name. Cesc Fàbregas praised Paz’s development, stating, “He’s shown maturity and quality. The league here suits his style, and he’s thriving. The key for him now is to keep pushing, whether it’s here or elsewhere, but he’s made the right choice for his career right now.” Fàbregas’ comments reflect the environment Paz has found in Italy, where he has established himself as a key player, with Italian media ranking him among the league’s top young midfielders. What’s next: Real Madrid will need to reassess their youth development strategy or risk losing more academy talents to leagues offering guaranteed playing time. The club’s next move could shape the futures of several young players currently waiting for their chance in the first team, including future first-team targets like 18-year-old midfielder Edgar Marcelino. The pressure is on Madrid to either accelerate senior opportunities or risk seeing their next generation slip away permanently. The Paz case also raises questions about the broader European football landscape. Serie A’s resurgence as a destination for young talents—despite lower wages—challenges the traditional dominance of La Liga and the Premier League in youth recruitment. Clubs like Como, with limited budgets, are now proving that structured pathways and first-team football can compete with the financial muscle of Europe’s elite. ## Why this matters Paz’s refusal to return to Real Madrid highlights the club’s persistent challenge in retaining academy graduates. With limited first-team opportunities, Madrid risks losing more young talents to leagues where guaranteed minutes are available. This trend could weaken the club’s long-term competitiveness and force a reevaluation of their youth development approach. The Paz case also signals a potential shift in European football’s youth talent distribution, where Serie A’s emphasis on development and playing time is becoming a viable alternative to financial incentives elsewhere. ## Frequently asked ### Why is Nico Paz not returning to Real Madrid? Paz has ruled out a return, citing his development and regular playing time at Como in Serie A as key factors in his decision. ### Where did Nico Paz play before joining Como? Paz was a product of Real Madrid’s La Fábrica academy before departing for Como in 2019. ### How has Paz performed at Como? Since joining Como, Paz has become a regular starter, contributing to their push for promotion to Serie A with 34 league appearances, 2 goals, and 5 assists this season. ### What does this mean for Real Madrid’s youth strategy? Paz’s departure underscores Madrid’s struggle to retain academy talents amid limited first-team opportunities, potentially forcing a reevaluation of their development model. ### Is Serie A becoming a preferred destination for young talents? Paz’s success at Como suggests Serie A is gaining traction as a viable alternative for young players seeking guaranteed minutes, despite lower financial rewards. ### Who could be Real Madrid’s next academy talent at risk? Players like 18-year-old midfielder Edgar Marcelino are under scrutiny, as Madrid’s limited senior opportunities may push them to seek first-team football elsewhere. ## Sources & Citations - [Former Real Madrid academy star will not return this summer – report](https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/former-real-madrid-academy-star-060000559.html) — NewsData.io (2026-06-14) --- Cite: Nico Paz snubs Real Madrid return, cements Serie A future. Sportopod, 2026-06-15. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/former-real-madrid-academy-star-will-not-return-this-summer-2eb458d3