Overview

• Diario AS-linked reports say Madrid intend to bring Nico Paz back in 2026 via a buy-back estimated at about €9 million, rising to around €10 million in 2027.
• Club plans also target a defensive midfielder to compete with Aurelien Tchouameni, with Adam Wharton and Chema Andres named as the leading candidates.
• Chema is framed as a realistic, low-cost return at roughly €10 million after impressing for Stuttgart, where he has started eight of their 10 matches.
• Wharton remains on the shortlist but is expected to cost in excess of €80 million and is drawing interest from Liverpool and Manchester United.
• No agreements have been reached, with current reporting describing priorities, shortlists, and price expectations rather than completed deals.