Como: Fabregas ‘decisive’ in Nico Paz deal. Man City loanee ‘not mentioned enough’ | OneFootball

Como director Carlalberto Ludi says Cesc Fabregas was ‘decisive’ in convincing Nico Paz to join the Azzurri from Real Madrid, while Manchester City loanee Maximo Perrone ‘isn’t mentioned enough.’

Como won the last two Serie A games in a row, moving seven points above the relegation zone.

One of their summer signings, Nico Paz, has had an incredible impact at the Stadio Sinigaglia.

The 20-year-old Argentinean talent has featured in 24 Serie A matches for Como, scoring six goals and providing four assists. He is also the player with the most successful dribble attempts in the league.

Paz joined Como on a permanent transfer from Real Madrid but the Merengues have a buy-back option to be activated this summer or in 2026.

“Several factors came together: at the core is the work with data, which is analysed in depth by our team to make an initial selection of players,” Como director Ludi told Calciomercato.com.

“Then comes the scouting process, and in this case, everyone approved the signing of Nico Paz, also supported by former Groningen sporting director Mark-Jan Fledderus, who focuses heavily on the international market.

Como: Fabregas ‘decisive’ in Nico Paz deal. Man City loanee ‘not mentioned enough’

ROME, ITALY – JANUARY 10: Cesc Fabregas, Head Coach of Como, looks on prior to kick-off ahead of the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Como at Stadio Olimpico on January 10, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

“Cesc’s involvement, along with that of the president, was decisive,” Ludi continued.

“Nowadays, before moving to a club, players want to speak with the coach to understand the tactical plan for them; it’s the natural evolution of the market

“There was a lot of interest. We weren’t in the front row, but we were the most determined to sign him. Some deals also require a certain level of courage to close: seeing Paz today is one thing, but imagining him as the centrepiece of a project when he was still playing for Castilla in July is another.”

Another brilliant Como deal this season was the one that allowed the Azzurri to sign Assane Diao from Betis in the January transfer window. Since joining Como, Diao has averaged one goal every 134 minutes.

“It was a very similar operation to that of Nico Paz: once again, we started with data to analyse numbers and statistics, but the key is being able to interpret them based on the type of player you need,” Ludi said.

“Then, the scouting process helped us assess the player beyond the data analysis.

“This one was less straightforward than the Nico Paz deal because negotiating with Real Betis wasn’t easy. At first, they didn’t want to sell him, and it was difficult to find the right conditions. The door opened and closed multiple times. Additionally, winter transfers are never simple; it’s a very short and intense window, and it’s tough for players to change countries mid-season.

Do Como have a hidden talent in their squad?

“It’s impossible to name just one, as we’re delighted with our young players: from Van der Brempt to Valle, who, despite being on loan, has had a fantastic approach,” Ludi replied.

“Maxi Perrone is fundamental to us; he doesn’t get mentioned enough, but he has incredible qualities; he looks like Cesc’s mind on the field. Thanks to Fabregas’ insight, Da Cunha is excelling in his new role [central midfielder], and Strefezza’s season has been outstanding in terms of football intelligence and versatility.”