Como have enjoyed a remarkable campaign under Cesc Fabregas, who led the club to promotion from Serie B in summer 2024. According to multiple reports, Como currently sit fifth in Serie A with five matches remaining, a position that would secure a first-ever European berth for the club. Como finished ninth last season, their highest finish since 1987, according to major media sources. The club have never before competed in European competition, making this a landmark opportunity.
However, Como have hit a recent rough patch. Major media reports indicate they have lost three consecutive matches in all competitions, including a Coppa Italia semi-final second-leg defeat to Inter Milan after two late goals. The dip in form has not dampened optimism about the club's trajectory, but it adds pressure as the season enters its final stretch.
Cesc is really very important for us. But we would be stupid not to think that one day he could go to Arsenal, Barcelona or Chelsea. If he continues to win with us or in any case to be successful, even if I cannot speak for him, I believe he could have bigger dreams.
Fabregas's future has become a subject of intense speculation, with conflicting signals from the club's leadership. Como president Mirwan Suwarso told City AM he would not stand in Fabregas's way if he wants to go to Chelsea, adding that Fabregas could one day go to Arsenal, Barcelona or Chelsea. Suwarso said: "You want your employees to stay with you for as long as possible but at the end of the day we don't own him and he's free to go to Chelsea if he wishes." He also noted that it would be no problem as long as Fabregas coaches a team outside Italy, according to other sources.
In contrast, sporting director Carlalberto Ludi has struck a more confident tone. Ludi said he is relaxed about Fabregas's future and confident he will remain as manager for a long time. According to Ludi, Fabregas is the linchpin of Como's project and they are aligned culturally and in objectives. Ludi said they are not afraid of Fabregas leaving and are confident in their relationship. He added that they have spoken with Fabregas and are agreed on what he wants and what Como wants, and unless something extraordinary happens on the transfer market, Fabregas will continue with Como. Ludi described Fabregas as "a phenomenon" who has "an incredible desire to learn and improve." The difference in messaging between president and sporting director could indicate internal uncertainty or a strategic attempt to manage expectations.
You want your employees to stay with you for as long as possible but at the end of the day we don't own him and he's free to go to Chelsea if he wishes.
Fabregas himself has distanced himself from the Chelsea job. According to Fabregas, he hasn't heard anything from the president about Chelsea and it's not important now. He said: "I think I'll continue as Como's coach: my experience as a player gives me peace of mind." Fabregas is also a co-owner of Como, according to other sources, which adds another layer to his commitment. He is being linked with his former clubs Barcelona and Chelsea, according to major media reports. Fabregas made 198 appearances for Chelsea between 2014 and 2019, according to other sources, making a return to Stamford Bridge a plausible narrative.
Chelsea's managerial situation remains fluid. Major media reports indicate the club have lost five league games in a row without scoring, a first since 1912. Chelsea parted ways with Liam Rosenior and Calum McFarlane is interim boss until the end of the season. Andoni Iraola, Marco Silva, and Filipe Luis are among candidates for the Chelsea job, according to major media sources. The uncertainty at Chelsea fuels speculation that Fabregas could be a target, though he has publicly played down the link.
You want your employees to stay with you for as long as possible, but in the end, we don't own him and he is free to go to Chelsea if he wishes.
Another key storyline is the future of Nico Paz, Como's standout performer. According to other sources, Paz has scored 17 goals and 14 assists in 68 competitive matches for Como. Real Madrid has a buy-back clause and a 50% sell-on clause for Paz, according to other sources. Real Madrid can buy back Paz for €9 million in summer 2026 and €11 million in summer 2027, according to other sources. Ludi said there is a big chance Nico Paz stays at Como for another year, and that European football would benefit Como in keeping Paz, but Real Madrid has the final say. Ludi noted: "The chances of him staying are still high today, despite the World Cup being a factor." The buy-back clause gives Real Madrid significant leverage, and whether they activate it remains an open question.
As Como approach the final five matches of the season, the club faces several unknowns: whether Fabregas will stay or move to Chelsea, whether Paz will remain, and whether Como can secure European football. The answers will shape the club's future for years to come.
Business is business and ideas are ideas. We have to look at things in a way that is logical. It's common sense.