Mourinho's Madrid Move Gets Rolling: Nico Paz Set for Bernabeu Return

Jose Mourinho's return to Real Madrid is already bearing fruit, with Nico Paz set to complete his homecoming to the Bernabeu as the Portuguese manager's opening piece of business.

The 20-year-old attacking midfielder has agreed terms to rejoin Madrid this summer after spending the season impressing in Serie A with Como. The Spanish capital club will activate the €9m (£8m) buy-back clause inserted when they sold Paz to the Italian side for €6m last August.

Paz's campaign in Italy has been nothing short of remarkable. The playmaker claimed Serie A's midfielder of the year award while playing a starring role in Como's maiden Champions League qualification, racking up 12 goals and seven assists across 35 league outings under Cesc Fabregas.

Mourinho's three-year contract at Madrid hinges on club president Florentino Perez fending off rival candidate Enrique Riquelme in the presidential election. Perez has tasked the former Chelsea boss with restoring harmony to a fractured dressing room and delivering silverware after Los Blancos endured two trophyless campaigns—a state of affairs that cost predecessor Alvaro Arbeloa his job.

The blueprint for summer recruitment is already clear: midfield creativity takes priority, defensive solidity follows. Paz fills the creative void in the number ten position, but Madrid's shopping list doesn't end there.

Rodri remains the dream target to bolster the engine room, yet Manchester City show no signs of budging. Spanish radio outlet COPE reported that Perez is eyeing a double swoop involving Paris Saint-Germain's Joao Neves and Inter Milan's Alessandro Bastoni, though prising either from their current employers will prove an uphill struggle. PSG are particularly reluctant to part with their Portuguese midfielder.

Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister could offer a more realistic alternative in midfield, with reports suggesting the Reds are softening their stance on his departure.

Bastoni, the Italian centre-back, represents Madrid's primary defensive target. The 27-year-old is receptive to a summer exit from the San Siro and carries an asking price in the region of €75m (£65m). According to El Debate, Mourinho has already worked his charm on the defender.

Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate presents another option at the back. The 27-year-old centre-half will be available on a free transfer after contract negotiations with the Merseysiders collapsed, and he's reportedly keen on linking up with Trent Alexander-Arnold in Spain. However, Madrid face competition from PSG, Bayern Munich, and Chelsea for his signature.