Champions League
Como’s €100m splash: how Cesc Fabregas fuels a Champions League debut
While many clubs tread cautiously in their inaugural Champions League season, Como have already poured more than €100 million into new signings, a gamble overseen by Cesc Fabregas as the Italian side prepares for Europe’s elite competition, and aim to translate that spending into a competitive edge on the continental stage.
Como’s ownership group, the wealthiest in Serie A, have repeatedly demonstrated a willingness to invest heavily to accelerate their lakeside project. Over recent seasons the club has not shied away from significant outlays, and the 2026 summer window follows that pattern.
The headline transaction of the window is the €60 million agreement with Real Madrid to retain Spanish midfielder Nico Paz for another season. Real Madrid originally set a €9 million buy‑back clause, which the Spaniards activated before selling Paz back to Como for €60 million, and a new €80 million option covers the summer of 2027.
On APRIL 12, Nico Paz celebrated after scoring the second goal in a Serie A clash against FC Internazionale at the Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium in Italy. The photograph captured by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images shows the Spaniard’s jubilation.
Additionally, Como have secured Yan Couto from Borussia Dortmund for around €20 million, while Brazilian full‑back Kaiki arrived on loan with an obligation to buy for €14 million. Midfielder Luis Milla joins for roughly €6 million, and La dello Sport reports a pending €6 million deal for Mattia Liberali.
Kaiki Bruno da Silva’s signing was announced on the club’s official channel, further bolstering the squad. Fabregas and his staff are also scouting at least one, possibly two, defensive reinforcements and an alternative to centre‑forward Tasos Douvikas, which could push total summer spending toward €150 million.
The contrast between the club’s massive financial commitment and its untested European pedigree underscores a bold strategy that will be tested when Como step onto the Champions League stage. The upcoming Champions League fixtures will reveal whether the €100 million outlay translates into European success.