Como spent over one hundred million euros on new players this summer. In Cesc Fàbregas's eyes, the Italian squad is nearly complete. The Spanish coach gave his assessment of the transfer window so far.
Embed from Getty Images
Como have emerged as one of the most surprising forces in this summer’s transfer market, shaking up expectations with an assertive and ambitious recruitment campaign.
The club, backed by a strong ownership group that includes figures like Thierry Henry and Dennis Wise, has already spent over 103.5 million euros an astonishing figure for a team recently promoted to Serie A. Their intent is clear: they’re not just in Italy’s top flight to survive, but to grow into a serious long-term project with global relevance.
Among the standout signings are Jayden Addai, the promising Dutch winger brought in from AZ Alkmaar, and Máximo Perrone, the highly-rated Argentine midfielder who joins from Manchester City. These additions reflect a clear recruitment strategy: investing in youthful talent with high ceilings and strong resale potential. But the list doesn’t end there. Como have added multiple prospects from across Europe and South America, blending raw potential with a handful of experienced names to give the squad balance and depth.
Cesc Fàbregas, who serves as Como’s head coach after previously being a player and assistant at the club, is one of the key architects behind this sporting vision. Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Fàbregas expressed satisfaction with the current state of the squad. “The team is about ninety percent complete,” he stated. “The club has done excellent work and acted quickly. We knew what we needed, and we didn’t waste time.”
Como’s ambition isn’t limited to assembling an impressive roster. According to Fàbregas, the club's philosophy is centered on turning potential into profit not by flipping players immediately, but by helping them grow on the field first. “We signed three players for a combined total of seventeen million euros,” he revealed. “And already we’ve received offers amounting to 122 million euros. That says a lot about the quality and potential of this squad. The idea is to improve young players, make them shine, and build something that lasts.”
This week, Como are showcasing their progress in the inaugural Como Cup, a friendly tournament held at their home ground, with clubs like Ajax also participating. It’s not only a marketing initiative but a moment of validation Como are no longer seen as an underdog story but a club that belongs among European football’s respected names.
Interestingly, amid all the excitement and activity, one visit to the city sparked even more headlines than any of their new signings. Antonella Roccuzzo, the wife of Lionel Messi, was recently spotted in Como, a sighting that instantly sent the rumour mill into overdrive. Could the Argentine legend, and former teammate of Fàbregas at Barcelona, be eyeing one last European adventure?
Fàbregas, always calm but never dull, addressed the situation with a touch of diplomacy and intrigue. “Never say never,” he said with a smile. “She was visiting some friends, and she also came to my house. At the moment, Leo is obviously in the United States with Inter Miami, but you never know what the future holds.”
The connection between the two runs deep. Between 2011 and 2014, Fàbregas and Messi formed a tight-knit trio alongside Andrés Iniesta and Xavi in one of the most dominant midfields football has ever seen. Their understanding on and off the pitch remains strong, and Fàbregas has never hidden his admiration for the Argentine icon. Could Como truly be dreaming of a Messi swan song in Italy?
For now, Messi remains contracted to Inter Miami until the end of the current calendar year, and he’s expected to continue playing a key role in Major League Soccer. However, the idea of one final European chapter, perhaps alongside his close friend and former teammate, might not be completely out of reach especially with Como’s resources and growing profile.
What is certain is that Como are no longer operating in the shadows. With bold signings, a clear philosophy, and Fàbregas at the helm, they are positioning themselves as one of the most compelling stories in European football. Whether or not Messi ever dons the blue of Como, the club has already succeeded in turning heads and perhaps, in time, shifting the balance of power in Italian football.
Updated: 12:11, 23 Jul 2025
