Angel Di Maria On The Problem That Could Await Nico Paz At Real Madrid
Nico Paz has been widely tipped to join Real Madrid in the summer of 2026.
Giuseppe Labellarte
Updated on 27 January 2026
Nico Paz has been tipped by Argentina legend Angel Di Maria to be a hit at Real Madrid – but there’s a big problem he could face.
In recent weeks, speculation linking Paz and Real has intensified after his heroics for the Serie A side.
FootItalia previously reported that Nico Paz and Real Madrid had agreed terms over a summer move.
Los Blancos put a buyback clause worth in the deal that can reportedly be triggered for just €9m this summer.
Nico Paz backed for Real Madrid by Angel Di Maria – but there’s a ‘problem’
Nico Paz has been picked out by Angel Di Maria as one of the best young players in the world today.
The former Juventus ace described Paz’s potential for further growth as “enormous”.
However, Di Maria also noted that Real already have so many good players as he worried about how much game time Paz could realistically get.
Di Maria spoke to Spanish outlet AS as he also sung the praises of Kylian Mbappe and Franco Mastantuono.
“Besides Mastantuono, Nico Paz has caught my eye,” said Di Maria. “He has enormous potential for growth.
“I follow him regularly, and his level is very high.
🚨🤍 Real Madrid are planning to bring back Nico Páz as their first signing for 2026 as revealed months ago.
Understand the buy back clause is NOT valid in January and Como want to keep him until summer.
The plan is to make the deal happen in June 2026.
Nico already said YES. pic.twitter.com/zRo3sesmia
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 25, 2025
“He’s playing spectacularly and showing signs of continuous improvement, bringing so much joy to Argentina.”
When asked whether Paz is Real Madrid-level, he replied: “Yes, definitely.
“The problem is that Real Madrid has many good players, and bringing him here just to leave him on the bench isn’t a good idea.
“Being at Como is doing him a lot of good; he’s confident, he’s even improved since last season, and I’m very happy for him.
“He’ll have the chance to play for a big club.”
Paz and the value of staying at Como
Nico Paz has been one of Como’s standout performers, and his progress has kept a close eye on him from both Argentina and Spain.
Di Maria noted how much first-team action matters. This is especially the case for a player still learning how to control games against senior opponents.
At Como, Paz can make mistakes, recover and improve, rather than only receiving judgement on short cameos.
It is also a setting where responsibility arrives quickly, forcing young players to grow up fast.
Di Maria expects Paz will get his “moment” to join a giant club. However, he also suggested patience could be the smartest route at present.
Giuseppe Labellarte
Giuseppe Labellarte is a sports journalist with over a decade of professional experience in the industry. His main professional expertise is in soccer. Prior to joining FootItalia, he worked for the likes of Sports Mole, TBR Football, the Chelsea Chronicle and numerous other sites, along with having bylines in the likes of the Nottingham Post. He holds degrees in Journalism and International Relations.
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