Xabi Alonso drops a bombshell and urges Perez to bring the former Real Madrid star back to the Bernabéu immediately

A new chapter is unfolding at the Santiago Bernabéu, and it’s being authored by none other than Xabi Alonso. The former midfield maestro, once a heartbeat of Real Madrid’s engine room, has now taken the reins as head coach. With a glowing reputation built at Bayer Leverkusen, where he turned the German club into serious contenders, Alonso has returned to Madrid with a clear vision — and he’s wasting no time in shaping his squad.

Just days into his tenure, Alonso has already made headlines with a bold request to club president Florentino Pérez. According to reports from Radio Marca, the Spanish tactician has urged the Real Madrid hierarchy to bring back a familiar face: Nico Paz, the young Argentine midfielder who left Los Blancos just last summer.

Nico Paz, 20, might not have had a lengthy first-team run during his initial spell at Madrid, but his talent was undeniable. After departing the Spanish capital for Serie B side Como in the summer of 2024, the youngster quickly rose to prominence in Italy. His debut season was nothing short of sensational, racking up 34 appearances, six goals, and nine assists. Those numbers didn’t just help Como rise up the league—they reignited interest from Europe’s elite.

Now, it seems, Xabi Alonso sees Paz not as a prospect, but as a key puzzle piece in his new Real Madrid project. Sources close to the club suggest that Alonso was immediately impressed by Nico’s development in Italy and sees him fitting seamlessly into the dynamic, high-intensity midfield structure he plans to implement at the Bernabéu.

Real Madrid’s recruitment team has already been active this summer. The club secured the signing of Dutch center-back Dejan Huijsen, is nearing a deal for full-back Juan Carreras, and has reportedly finalized a high-profile move for Trent Alexander-Arnold. However, Alonso’s request for Paz seems deeply personal — a clear indicator that he’s not just looking for big names, but players who understand the Madrid DNA.

There’s a practical element to this story as well. Real Madrid had the foresight to include a €8 million buyback clause when they sold Nico Paz to Como, and that clause can be triggered this summer. Given the market inflation and the player’s potential, it’s a bargain deal that few would question, especially with Alonso’s stamp of approval.

But there’s more urgency to the matter than just long-term planning. Alonso has reportedly told the club that he wants Paz available for the FIFA Club World Cup, which Real Madrid will compete in later this year. For the coach, this isn’t just about preparation for La Liga or the Champions League — it’s about having a complete, battle-ready squad for every front.

Bringing back Nico Paz could also signal a renewed commitment to youth development at Real Madrid — a hallmark of Alonso’s coaching style at Bayer Leverkusen, where he seamlessly integrated young talents into his setup. It could also inspire other Castilla graduates and loanees, showing them that there’s still a pathway back to the Bernabéu if they continue to impress elsewhere.

Xabi Alonso’s request to re-sign Paz could mark the beginning of a significant tactical shift in Madrid. Instead of relying solely on galáctico-style signings, there seems to be a focus on building a balanced squad with both experience and youthful energy. Nico Paz fits the mold perfectly — technically gifted, tactically intelligent, and hungry to prove himself on the biggest stage.

It remains to be seen how quickly the deal will be finalized, but with the Club World Cup on the horizon and Alonso determined to have his core players in place early, Real Madrid are expected to act swiftly. Talks with Como are believed to be ongoing, and with the buyback clause in place, the operation may not face major complications.

Should the move be completed, it would be a full-circle moment for Nico Paz — a young talent who left to gain experience and could now return to Madrid stronger, smarter, and more prepared than ever. And it would also mark Xabi Alonso’s first major statement as Real Madrid boss: that he knows what he wants, and he’s here to win — not just trophies, but trust.

Florentino Pérez now has a decision to make, but with Alonso’s conviction and Nico Paz’s form doing the talking, the writing seems to be on the wall. Real Madrid might be on the verge of welcoming home one of their own — and if Xabi Alonso gets his way, the Bernabéu could soon see a star reborn.