Can Nico Paz be the World Cup’s next breakout star? The Como playmaker has the tools to follow James Rodríguez’s iconic 2014 path - and shine on the biggest stage.
After all the drama provided by the Champions League in midweek, domestic action returned over the weekend, and it did not disappoint. Title races and battles to earn European spots are heating up around the continent, with there plenty of twists and turns still to come over the next three-and-a-half months.
Tottenham have reportedly shifted their focus to AS Monaco’s rising star Maghnes Akliouche after Arsenal hijacked their move for Eberechi Eze in brutal fashion. The deal, which Spurs insiders believed was all but wrapped up, was snatched away at the eleventh hour, plunging them into chaos and igniting fury among already restless supporters.
Real Madrid are preparing two key bargain signings for 2026 as part of a long-term squad rejuvenation plan. The Spanish giants are monitoring Stuttgart midfielder Chema Andres, viewed as a potential successor to Aurelien Tchouameni, while also finalising plans to bring back Nico Paz from Como. Both moves could cost under €20 million combined.
Real Madrid have been told that they can re-sign their youth player Nico Paz 'whenever they want' as Como president reveals their transfer plan. Madrid sold Paz to Como in 2024 but they have the option in the deal to re-sign the wonderkid for €9m in 2026 or €10m in 2027, a fraction of his current market value. Since moving to Italy last year, Paz has thrived under Cesc Fabregas.
Will he or won't he? Lionel Messi has a massive decision to make and, just eight months before the start of the 2026 World Cup, we still don't know whether he'll lead Argentina's title defence. "At my age, it's only logical to think I might not," the 38-year-old told TyC Sports just last month. But, let's face it, there's never really anything logical about Messi's career.
Cesc Fabregas claims that Como sensation Nico Paz is getting Lionel Messi-esque treatment from Serie A rivals. World Cup winner Fabregas once played alongside Messi at Barcelona, with opponents eager to keep the ball away from him as much as possible. Paz is, much like his Argentina international team-mate, considered to be another match-altering talent.