Title: FC Barcelona's Legend Eyeing Real Madrid's Stars, According to COPE Reports
FC Barcelona legend Cesc Fabregas is eyeing a move to poach one of Real Madrid's La Fabrica academy prospects, according to sources close to Cadena COPE. The retired midfielder, who honed his skills at Barca's La Masia, is currently managing Como in the Italian Serie A.
Fabregas, set to call it a day in July 2023, has ambitions to strengthen his squad with players that can help Como climbs out of its 16th-place position, just above the drop zone at the turn of the year. In the past, the former Arsenal man has shown his knack for plucking talent from his boyhood club's rivals, most notably with the acquisition of Nico Paz during the summer of 2023.
Paz, an Argentina international, became a part of Como for a four-year, $6.25 million (€6 million) deal, with Madrid claiming a 50% stake in his rights. Although Paz made his La Liga and Champions League debuts in the 2023/2024 season, picking up trophies in both competitions, he opted for a change of scenery, leaving the Bernabeu under Carlo Ancelotti and making his way to Como.
Ancelotti, in response, has praised the young talent and admitted that Madrid had been keeping a keen eye on his progress. "Nico Paz is a player we closely follow. He's very gifted and has a great future ahead of him. Spending this season away from Real Madrid will benefit him immensely. We believe that he is a player who can be a vital part of Real Madrid's future," Ancelotti said.
With Paz's success as a reference, Fabregas is reportedly interested in luring 17-year-old Jesus Fortea to Como, according to recent reports from Cadena COPE. Known for his potential as a right-back, Fortea has yet to receive significant playing time at Real Madrid, leading him to explore other opportunities. Despite Madrid acknowledging his talent, Carlo Ancelotti's reluctance to trust him has fueled Fortea's desire to leave the club.
As such, President Florentino Perez may look to negotiate a fee for the young talent or allow him to leave for free, following the example set by Pablo Ramón's transfer to Espanyol in the current transfer window. Whatever the outcome, Madrid will maintain a 50% stake in Fortea's rights.
[1] Source: Cadena COPE[2] Source: Marca[3] Source: ESPN
- Cesc Fabregas, inspired by Nico Paz's success at Como after his move from Real Madrid, is reportedly aiming to bring 17-year-old talent Jesus Fortea to the Italian club.
- Carlo Ancelotti, the manager of Real Madrid, has publicly praised Nico Paz and acknowledged the club's interest in the young player's progress, hinting at his potential future role at the Bernabeu.
- Despite Madrid's acknowledgment of Jesus Fortea's talent, his lack of playing time under Ancelotti has fueled his desire to seek opportunities elsewhere, similar to how Paz left the club to join Como.
