Real Madrid has postponed the buyback clause in Nico Paz’s contract until the very last possible moment next summer—thereby accommodating the wishes of the top Argentine prospect. The 21-year-old will play in the Champions League with Como next season.
So far this summer transfer window, Real Madrid has largely called the shots. However, following the free-transfer signings of Bernardo Silva (Manchester City) and Ibrahima Konaté (Liverpool FC), as well as the costly acquisition of Marc Cucurella (who joined from Chelsea for around 55 million euros), the Royals are now coming up empty-handed on another transfer—though this time, it’s by choice.
That’s because Nico Paz will not be returning to Madrid but will remain with Como 1907. Thanks to a buyback clause worth nine million euros—a figure that seems almost laughable in today’s soccer circus—the Royals had the opportunity to sign the highly talented Argentine. However, this option has been postponed by one year to the final possible exercise date.
As both clubs announced on Monday evening, Paz will remain in Serie A—at the player’s own request, as emphasized in both club statements. However, as mentioned, Real retains the unilateral buyback option for the 2027–28 season.
About two years ago, Como showed good instincts by luring Paz away from Madrid’s reserve team and signing him to a contract through 2028. At the time, six million euros were paid for the highly promising attacking player. Real, however, was well aware of his potential—and, in addition to a share of any future transfer proceeds, secured buyback clauses for the summers of 2025, 2026, and 2027.
After another strong Serie A season—with twelve goals and seven assists in 35 games, which culminated in Como’s first-ever Champions League qualification—Real, as expected, expressed interest in bringing Paz back via the buyback clause. Presumably, they also had the ulterior motive of reselling the Argentine World Cup veteran at a substantial profit.
Starting price of 60 million euros?
As Marca, a newspaper close to the club, recently reported, Real initially set a starting price of 60 million euros. The Royals would certainly have been more than happy to watch a bidding war unfold; even Italian champions Inter Milan had apparently planned to enter the race for the creative midfielder Paz.
However, it won’t come to that now that Paz has made it clear to all parties that he wants to stay on Lake Como and remain part of coach Cesc Fabregas’s team. Only time will tell what the situation will look like in the summer of 2027—whether Paz will be sold by Real for a hefty sum or perhaps find a spot on the roster under the returning coach José Mourinho. For now, the youngster’s focus remains on the Champions League and continuing his Serie A campaign with Como 1907.