Como head coach Cesc Fabregas is already shaping plans for next season after sealing Champions League qualification, making clear that Nico Paz remains central to those ideas despite reported Real Madrid interest in re-signing the midfielder under a clause that runs until June 2027.
Speaking during Como's celebrations, Fabregas underlined how much Paz matters to the current project and did not hide the desire to keep the Argentina international at the club. "He's a very important player for our growth, Fabregas told Sky Sport during Como's open-top bus parade to celebrate their historic top-four finish. We've grown with him, and he's grown with us.Let's see what happens, but we want him to stay. "
Paz joined Como from Real Madrid in August 2024
on a four-year contract and has become a key figure under Fabregas. The midfielder has played 75 matches in all competitions, scoring 19 goals and providing 17 assists, while also attracting interest from major European clubs monitoring his progress.
In Serie A this season, only Tasos Douvikas, with 14 goals, scored more than Paz for Como, highlighting Paz's influence in the final third. Paz also supplied six league assists and created 51 chances, underlining a creative profile that has helped drive Como's attack during their climb into Italy's top four.
Como secured a Champions League place on the final Serie A matchday, defeating Cremonese 4-1 to move into fourth position. That victory means Como will become the 16th different Serie A side to compete in the European Cup or Champions League, marking a new chapter for the club and its supporters.
Fabregas and the squad marked the achievement with an open-top bus parade, celebrating Como's first appearance on Europe's biggest stage. The club's official account captured the mood online.COMO IS IN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/R91ELn1uyuComo1907 (@Como_1907) May 24, 2026
Key numbers from Paz's Como spell so far are shown below, reflecting how performances in Serie A and other competitions support Fabregas' wish to keep the player while Real Madrid monitor developments ahead of the potential buy-back deadline in June 2027.
| Player | Club | Appearances (all comps) | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nico Paz | Como | 75 | 19 | 17 |
While Paz's future draws attention, Fabregas has also been linked with other posts, notably a possible return to Chelsea earlier in the season before the London club chose Xabi Alonso. Despite that speculation, Fabregas has stated that leaving Como is not under consideration as preparations begin.
"We'vehad a long meeting with the President and the director; we are creating a mentality. From now on, we start preparing for a new, tough and different season, Fabregas added. I'm very happy here, you know that. I'm missing one or two steps more, and I'm learning so much. The growth of this club has been too fast; we've been pushing expectations for two and a half years. We are aware of who we are, and we have a clear vision. The demands of the Champions League are high. If you are not prepared, you concede six goals in certain stadiums. "
Fabregas' comments underline how Como must adapt quickly to Champions League standards after a rapid rise over two and a half years, with squad planning, tactical refinement and decisions over players such as Paz all expected to shape how the club handles the challenges of European competition next season.
