Real Madrid is quietly preparing for two key moves in 2026. One is competition for Aurélien Tchouaméni, and the other is the highly anticipated return of Nico Paz from Italian club Como. Both signings are aimed at refreshing the squad while injecting fresh “Madridista” talent.
Paz’s comeback is already in the works, with the club signaling he is part of next season’s plans. This verbal agreement, though nothing is official, was enough for Paz to turn down a massive offer from Tottenham last summer. Chema Andrés, another former Madrid player who played in two LaLiga games for the club last term, is also emerging as a serious candidate thanks to a breakthrough season at Stuttgart.
The need for a new pivot
Real Madrid faces two key realities. First, the team currently lacks a true backup for Tchouaméni. While midfielders like Eduardo Camavinga or Arda Güler can cover the position, they are not natural pivots. Madrid wants a second player in that role by 2026, with options including Crystal Palave’s Adam Wharton (high-cost) and Andrés (low-cost).
Second, Dani Ceballos’ contract runs through 2027, making next summer a crucial window for offers and potential departures.
Current contracts
Who is Chema Andrés?
Chema Andrés, 20, has quickly become a standout at Stuttgart, earning a starting spot and even displacing Germany international Angelo Stiller. This season, he has played eight of ten matches, scoring once while demonstrating leadership on the field. In his most recent game, he completed 94% of his passes, recorded three blocks, ten recoveries, and won six duels.
Madrid still holds 50% of his rights, with Stuttgart paying €3 million ($3.49 million) for the rest. Reacquiring him would cost roughly €10 million ($11.6 million) though factoring in the initial income, the net transfer would be closer to €6–7 million ($6.97-8.13 million). Sources say “price is never an obstacle.”
Chema Andrés’ style of play
Andrés stands 6’3”, plays as a defensive midfielder, and is right-footed. He excels in organizing from deep rather than attacking in the final third. His style has drawn comparisons to Manchester City midfielder Rodrigo, and he is both tactically intelligent and physically imposing. After starring for Castilla last season, he has already proven himself in Germany.
Nico Paz: the planned return
Nico Paz, meanwhile, has a clearer path. Madrid has made it known the 21-year-old is part of the 2026 plan, which led him to reject Tottenham’s €70 million ($81.3 million) offer last summer. The projected cost to bring him back is €9 million ($10.46 million) in 2026 or €10 million ($11.62 million) in 2027.
This season, Paz has three goals and three assists in six league games for Como in Serie A. His performance last year included six goals and nine assists over 35 matches, earning him recognition in Argentina and putting him in contention for this summer’s World Cup.
Real Madrid looking to the future
Madrid has two strategic moves in mind for next summer: secure a Tchouameni replacement and bring back Nico Paz. While Paz’s return is essentially guaranteed, the pivot position remains up for debate. Chema Andrés has emerged as a strong candidate, potentially costing only €10 million ($11.62 million) compared to Wharton, whose price could exceed €80 million ($92.96 million)
Both moves aim to rejuvenate the squad and strengthen the team with young, homegrown talent. Chema Andrés and Nico Paz could be Real Madrid’s hidden trump cards for 2026.