Cesc Fàbregas Intensifies Scouting At Real Madrid Castilla Amid Como’s Serie A Surge

Cesc Fabregas confirms Como is scouting Real Madrid Castilla talents like Fortea and Yáñez. See how the Nico Paz success story is driving a new transfer strategy.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 18, 2026, 12:06 PM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Mundo Deportivo

Strategic Expansion Into The Spanish Youth Market

The rapid ascent of Como 1907 in the Italian top flight has been fueled by a distinct recruitment strategy targeting elite academy products from the Santiago Bernabéu. Cesc Fàbregas, who has transformed the Lombardy club into a Champions League contender, recently addressed growing reports from Mundo Deportivo regarding his continued interest in Real Madrid Castilla. Speaking at a press conference on April 15, Fàbregas acknowledged that his staff is conducting frequent scouting missions to the Alfredo Di Stéfano Stadium. The manager’s intent to raid the Spanish capital’s youth ranks has reportedly put Real Madrid on high alert as they look to protect their most promising developmental assets from early poaching.

Balancing Digital Analytics With Traditional Scouting

Fàbregas has been vocal about the limitations of modern data-driven scouting when evaluating young players for the physical and tactical rigors of Serie A. While acknowledging the utility of performance metrics, the Spanish coach insisted that observing a player’s behavior and spatial awareness in person is an irreplaceable component of his philosophy. "We must be on the move," Fàbregas stated, confirming that his assistant has traveled to Madrid multiple times in April to provide qualitative reports. This hands-on approach is aimed at identifying specific traits, such as ball control under pressure and off-the-ball movement, that may not be fully captured by statistical databases alone.

The Proven Success Of The Nico Paz Model

The primary catalyst for this intensified interest is the extraordinary success of Nico Paz, who has become a breakout star in Italy since joining Como. Paz has recorded 14 goal involvements this season, recently earning praise from Fàbregas for "reviving" his form after a high-profile performance against Inter Milan. The midfielder’s seamless transition from the Spanish third tier to Serie A stardom has validated Fàbregas’s belief in the technical education provided at Valdebebas. Alongside Paz, center-back Jacobo Ramón has also thrived at the Stadio Sinigaglia, establishing himself as a reliable defensive starter and further cementing the pipeline between the two clubs.