Real Madrid star expected to leave this summer with buy-back option added: Reports
Real Madrid teenager Nico Paz is reportedly expected to seal a move away from Carlo Ancelotti's side before the end of the ongoing month.
Paz, 19, relished an excellent 2023-24 campaign for both Real Madrid Castilla and the senior team. He contributed 10 goals and four assists in 29 total matches for the former, while making his debut for the latter.
A left-footed versatile midfielder, Paz made his senior debut for the La Liga champions last November. He started just one of his eight overall outings for his team last campaign, featuring in 128 minutes of action.
Now, according to reputed transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, Paz is expected to leave Real Madrid on a permanent deal this summer. He has attracted interest from Girona, Deportivo Alaves, and Como so far.
Los Blancos, who signed Kylian Mbappe and Endrick last month, would insert a buy-back option in any potential permanent deal involving Paz.
Paz, who has featured in four matches for the Argentina U23 side, has a club contract until June 2027 and is said to be valued at €10 million.
Carlo Ancelotti unhappy with Real Madrid's display in recent La Liga draw at Mallorca
Earlier on Sunday, Real Madrid registered a 1-1 La Liga opening draw against RCD Mallorca. Rodrygo and Vedat Muriqi each netted a goal.
At a press conference, Los Blancos manager Carlo Ancelotti opined on his team's display at Estadi Mallorca San Moix. He said (h/t ESPN):
"In the second half, we lacked balance. We gave away counter-attacks, crosses. It wasn't a good game. We have to defend better, and above all, have more balance on the pitch. Today, we're not happy. I don't want to give excuses. We just had to do better, with more attitude. But we can learn a lot from this game, it was clear where we had problems."
Ancelotti, who has guided his team to 14 trophies so far, continued:
"The defending wasn't good, it was hard for us to win the ball after losing it. That's where we have to improve, when I talk about defending, we're talking about attitude and collective commitment. The team was too open."
Sharing more thoughts on Los Blancos' performance, Ancelotti added:
"We have to focus more, as we usually do, with more concentration, be more together. People can think it's a problem of the forwards, but when the forwards press, the midfielders don't help and the defenders stay back. It isn't one or the other."
Real Madrid will next take on Real Valladolid on Sunday (August 25).