Wirtz out, Argentinian wunderkind in

Erik ten Hag now finds himself regularly making the 180-kilometer journey from his home in Oldenzaal, near Enschede in the Netherlands, to his new professional base in Leverkusen. The roughly two-and-a-half-hour trip has become familiar to him, as he’s already been involved in several meetings with sporting director Simon Rolfes and first-team leader Kim Falkenberg to lay the groundwork for the upcoming season.

Neymar: "Florian Wirtz? No, I don't know him"

Bayer Leverkusen, last season’s Bundesliga runners-up, have no shortage of tasks ahead—but the most pressing revolves around the departure of their creative heartbeat, Florian Wirtz, who has joined Liverpool. Replacing a player of Wirtz’s caliber is no small feat—frankly, there is no direct substitute. But Leverkusen are focused on identifying a new generation of talent that can rise to the occasion.

At the top of the list is Nico Paz, a rising Argentine star who has become a frequent topic of discussion between Ten Hag and the club’s recruitment team. Currently owned by Real Madrid, Paz is seen as a player ready to make a leap. Last season, he impressed in Italy with newly promoted Como, notching six goals and nine assists in 35 appearances and playing a pivotal role in their impressive 10th-place finish in Serie A.

Real Madrid plan to activate a buyback clause worth 8 millions to bring him back, intending to test his readiness during the Club World Cup under new manager Xabi Alonso. But a long-term stay in Madrid looks unlikely—the competition in midfield is simply too intense. Paz knows that consistent minutes are essential for his growth, and he’s eyeing a club where he’ll get just that—preferably one that also plays Champions League football and has a coach known for nurturing young talent. That makes Leverkusen an ideal landing spot.

(Manchester) United in Leverkusen - Ten Hag is making moves

According to SPORT BILD, the Argentina international (two senior caps) has already informed his current club, Como, that he doesn’t plan to return, signaling his intention to take the next step in his career elsewhere.