Thibaut Courtois makes strong prediction about former Real Madrid academy star’s return: ‘He’ll be a great player for us’

Thibaut Courtois makes strong prediction about former Real Madrid academy star’s return: ‘He’ll be a great player for us’ Real Madrid have seen several talented players leave the Santiago Bernabeu in search of regular playing time in recent years. Very few, though, have made a bigger impression than Nico Paz, given his performances for Como under Cesc Fabregas. The Argentine playmaker’s remarkable development has been a joy to watch, and he has now taken his career to the next level. Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has expressed his admiration for the youngster and backed him to succeed if he returns to the Spanish capital. Courtois reveals he recommended Nico Paz to Fabregas Speaking to Argentine outlet TN during the Web Summit in Lisbon, the Belgian also revealed his surprising involvement in Paz’s move to Italy. Courtois disclosed that Como manager Cesc Fabregas had personally contacted him to enquire about the youngster before bringing him to the Italian club. “Cesc Fabregas called me and asked what I thought of him. I told him he had to sign him because he’s a boy with a lot of talent, focused and eager,” the goalkeeper explained. Nico Paz has been a revelation at Como. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images) “He’s doing really well. He’s absolutely shining.” “I saw that he had a lot of talent. He’s a good kid and he’s doing really well at Como,” Courtois added. Real Madrid goalkeeper confident about potential return Courtois also believes that Paz has the qualities required to become an important player at the Santiago Bernabeu . “I’m sure that if he can return to Real Madrid, he’ll be a great player for us. And if not, I think he has his whole future ahead of him,” he declared. Madrid have a buy-back option for Paz for the 2027/28 season, but it expires after the summer, after which the club would lose complete control over his future. Los Blancos brought Paz back this past summer before selling him back to the Italian club to allow him to continue his career there. Does Paz return to Real Madrid next summer? (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) The decision was said to have been made at the 22-year-old’s request, as he wanted to remain the star of Cesc’s project. The competition for places in attack and midfield at Madrid means Paz might not get the kind of playing time he needs if he returns to the Spanish club. The fact that a senior figure like Courtois is openly backing his return speaks volumes about the youngster’s potential. It remains to be seen whether the club activate their buy-back option for Paz and whether he plays for Real Madrid in the near future.